CIHM 

ICMH 

Microfiche 

Collection  de 

Series 

microfiches 

(Monographs) 

(monographies) 

Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microraproductions  historiq 


ues 


©1996 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes  /  Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best  original 
copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this  copy  which 
may  be  bibliographicaliy  unique,  which  may  alter  any  of 
the  images  in  the  reproduction,  or  which  may 
significantly  change  the  usual  method  of  filming  are 
checked  below. 

0    Coloured  covers  / 
Couverture  de  couleur 

□   Covers  damaged  / 
Couvertu  e  endommagde 

□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated  / 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pellicul^e 

I I   Cover  title  missing  /  Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

I I    Coloured  maps  /  Cartes  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

0   Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)  / 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

0    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations  / 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

□    Bound  with  other  material  / 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Only  edition  available  / 
Seule  edition  disponible 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion  along 
interior  margin  /  La  reliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de 
I'ombre  ou  de  la  distorslon  le  long  de  la  marge 
int^rieure. 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restorations  may  appear 
within  the  text.  Whene"er  possible,  these  have  been 
omitted  from  filming  /  Use  peut  que  certaines  pages 
blanches  ajout^es  lors  d'une  restauration 
apparaissent  dans  le  texte,  mais,  lorsque  cela  etait 
possible,  ces  pages  n'ont  pas  6t6  film6es. 

Additional  comments  / 
Commentaires  supplementaires: 


D 
D 


D 


L'Institut  a  microfilme  le  meilleur  exemplaire  qu'il  lui  a 
6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details  de  cet  exem- 
plaire qui  sont  peut-§tre  uniques  du  point  de  vue  bibli- 
ographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier  une  image  reproduite, 
ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une  modification  dans  la  m6tho- 
de  normale  de  filmage  sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 

I I   Coloured  pages  /  Pages  de  couleur 

I I   Pages  damaged  /  Pages  endommag6es 


D 


Pages  restored  and/or  laminated  / 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicul^es 


Q   Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed  / 
Pages  d^color^es,  tachet^es  ou  piquees 

I      I   Pages  detached  /  Pages  d6tach6es 

I  v/|   Showthrough  /  Transparence 

I      I   Quality  of  print  varies  / 


D 


Quality  in^gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material  / 
Comprend  du  mat^rie'  suppl6mentaire 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata  slips, 
tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to  ensure  the  best 
possible  image  /  Les  pages  totalement  ou 
partiellement  obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une 
pelure,  etc.,  ont  6te  filmees  a  nouveau  de  fa^on  k 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 

Opposing  pages  with  varying  colouration  or 
discolourations  are  'ilmed  twice  to  ensure  the  best 
possible  image  /  Lts  nages  s'opposant  ayant  des 
colorations  variables  ou  des  decolorations  sont 
film6es  deux  fois  afin  d'obtenir  la  meilleure  image 
possible. 


D 


This  item  ia  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checlced  below  / 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  Indiqu*  ci-dessous. 

lOx                            14x                           18x 

22x 

26x 

30x 

y 

12x 


16x 


20x 


24x 


28x 


32x 


Th«  copy  film«d  h«r«  h«»  bMn  rsproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'axamplaira  film*  fut  raproduit  graca  i  la 
g*n«roait*  da: 

Bibliotheque  national©  du  Canada 


Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poMibIa  coniidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibillty 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  ipacif icationa. 

Original  copiai  in  printad  papar  covara  ara  fllmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illu.tratad  ""»>/••• 
aion.  or  tha  back  cowar  whan  appropriate.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
sion.  and  anding  on  tfa  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microficha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  -»  ""••"'"^,.:5S..,' 
TINUEO").  or  tha  symbol  V  (moaning    END  I. 
whichavar  appliaa. 

Maps,  platas,  charts,  ate.  may  ba  filmad  at 
diffarant  reduction  ratios.  Thosa  too  larga  to  ba 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filrnod 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Las  images  suivantas  ont  *t*  raproduitas  svac  la 
plus  grand  soin.  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nanet*  da  rexamplaira  film*,  et  en 
conformit*  avac  lea  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fiimaga. 

Lea  axempiairea  originaux  dont  la  couvertura  an 
papier  est  ImprimAe  sont  filmSs  an  commancant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniAre  paga  qui  comporte  une  empreinta 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration.  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autres  axemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmia  an  commencant  par  la 
pramiire  paga  qui  compona  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
ia  darniAra  page  qui  compona  une  telle 
amprainta. 

Un  das  symbolas  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
darniAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
caa:  la  symbola  — »  signifia  "A  SUIVRE".  la 
symbola  V  aignifia  "FIN". 

Las  cartas,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  pauwent  atra 
film*s  i  das  taux  da  reduction  diff«rants. 
Lorsque  la  document  est  trop  grand  pour  atra 
raproduit  an  un  saul  clich*.  il  est  film*  i  partir 
de  I'angia  supirieur  gauche,  de  gauche  1  droite, 
at  de  haut  an  bas.  an  pranant  le  nombre 
dimagas  n*cassaira.  Lea  diagrammas  suivants 
illustrant  la  m^thoda. 


'"i'>/*A<'ird»i,a®!*  '  .»iw"/- 


•«fci.' :j>,'ii».i  .IK     M', 


MICROCOPY    RESOLUTION    TEST   CHART 

(ANSI  and  ISO  TEST  CHART  No.  2) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


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1^ 

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1^ 

Hi 

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12.2 

IdU 

1^ 

II 11^^ 

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■  4.0 

llll  2.0 

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A  APPLIED  IM/1GE     Inc 

S^  1653    Eost    k.jin   Street 

JTJS  Roctiester,    New   York         146C9       USA 

^^  (716)    482  -  0300  -  Phone 

^=  (716)    288  -  5989  -  Fox 


-^., 


'!)-l:>      -      ■'- 


PS  8505 
A625 
Z67 
191 


mm 


s 


ZORRA 


BY 


WILLIAM   M.    CAMPBELL 


BOSTON 

SHERMAN,  FRENCH  1^  COMPANY 

1915 


OS" 


'>^r 


Entered  at  Stationers'  Hall 
All  rights  reserved 


COPYEIOHT,  1915 
Sheeman,  French  fif  Company 


6^^0200 


^^>^¥M^9^^}^^^^mmd 


^ 


TO 

A'  SCOTS  AND  THEIR  BAIRNS; 

—AND  ONY  ITHERS 

(GIN  THERE  BE  ONY) 


a 

4 


■1 
I 


A  WEE  bit  crack,  gude  freend  o'  ither  days, 
Aboot  oor  brither  Scots  and  a'  their  ways. 
As  we  reca'  oor  Scotch  Canadian  hame 
\W  loving  herts,  through  a'  the  years  the  same. 
Sm'  noo  for  lang  ye  canna  bide  wi'  me, 
Juist  ane  or  twa  amang  them  a'  must  dae ; 
Some  ither  day  when  ye  can  ca'  aroon', 
By  ingleside  we  twa  wull  there  sit  doon 
And  hae  some  mair  frae  a'  we  hae  in  min' 
O'  Scottish  ways  in  days  o'  auld  lang  syne. 
Nae  hairm  if  noo  the  Lallan  tongue  we  use 
Or  mair  at  length  the  Anglo-Saxon  choose,' 
Or  e'en  the  Gaelic,—  spoke  afore  them  a'. 
And  worthy  thocht  by  Celts  to  live  gu  bra';  ' 
Frae  ane  tae  ither  go  as  needs  may  be 
And  each  tae  this  or  that  may  best  agree. 

Then  pass  we  noo  tae  what  we  hae  in  han' 
And  crack  awa  'boot  mainners  o'  oor  Ian' ; 
Gin  freend  or  neebur  cam  tae  mak'  a  ca', ' 
Ye  weel  remember,  when  they  went  awa,  ' 
Not  then  alane  they  pass  the  threshold  o'er  — 
Their  freendly  host  gaed  wi'  them  'yond  the  door, 
Tae  gate  at  least,  and  oft  upon  the  way 
1  Forever. 

1 


«  3orta 

He  sauntered  on  tae  gie  the  guest  "  convey." 
Wi'    sense    o'    worth    and    wi    a    "  bean/nachd 

liebh  "  2 
The  guest  is  sped, —  each  better  as  tliey  leave ; 
By  warmth  of  heart  and  kindly  nature  moved 
A  noble  breeding  such  a  custom  proved. 
TJpon  the  ear  might  fall  no  polished  phrase, 
Nor  eye  behold  convention's  courtly  ways, 
Yet  present  there, —  if  unadorned  by  art, — 
A  worthy  manner,  fruit  of  kingly  heart. 

On  winter  e'ens,  when  a'  the  chores  were  dune, 
Wi'  supper  o'er  and  stars  cam  oot  aboon, 
Then  necburs  aft  wi'  neot'irs  here  and  there 
Did.  vecsit  roun'  tae  lighten  daily  care. 
The  auld  time  "  ceilidh,"  ^ —  noo  perhaps  for- 
got; 
A  common  word  on  tongue  o'  early  Scot ; 
Gin  they  mair  free  may  feel  in  ony  hame, 
Frae  a'  tlie  airts  tae  this  they  nightly  came: 
O'  mony  things  they  cracked  and  joked  awa'. 
And  aften  too  the  fiddle  there  you  saw ; 
For  ony  reason,  if  in  numbers  found, 
Wi'  hairmless  plays  the  passing  hours  abound ; 
But  this  ye  ken  not  verra  weel  could  be 
Unless  wi'  lads  the  lassies  there  ye  see. 
If  fiddle  there, —  I  may  as  weel  confess 

2  Blessing  be  with  you. 

3  A  neighborly  evening  visit. 


'..i^^?' 


'myw. 


3otra 


8 


I 


They  whyles  may  dance,—  that  is,  ye  ken,  unless 
An  elder  grave  or  ither  godlv  man 
Were  in  the  hoose ;  they  wudna  hae  him  scan 
bic  dootfu'  pranks,  yet  a'  the  while  revere 
Their  Faither's  hoose  —  tae  Scottish  herts  sae 
dear. 

Yet  kirk  and  school  and  fairming  int'rests,  too, 
As  weel  as  gossip,  conversation  knew ; 
If  'mang  them  a',  mair  gifted  than  the  rest 
Tae  stories  tell  some  chiel  they  found  was  blest, 
Tae  vivid  tales  which  in  the  telling  grew 
We  eager  list,  nor  cared  if  a'  were  true ; 
Nae  rivals  these  tae  "  Noctes  "  o'  Kit  North 
Yet,  lacking  fame  and  much  o'  classic  worth 
Tradition's  stream  not  yet  h- ..  reached  that  sea 
Where  old  time  Kits  shall  a'  forgotten  be. 

All  hallowe'en  in  mony  a  Ian'  is  found 
A  time  o'  year  when  elfish  pranks  abound. 
Fn  kindly  treated  there  in  days  o'  yore 
The  eery  fouk  they  flocked  tae  Scottish  shore: 
VVi   Scotia's  sons  they  cam  across  the  sea, 
And  change  o'  hame  wi'  them  did  quite  agree  • 
Yet  here  or  there  ye'll  maistly  find  it  true 
Weel  pleased  they  were  as  hert  tae  hert  they 
drew ;  "^ 

Withoot  the  lads,  nae  lassies  by  their  lane ; 
Withoot  the  lassies,  lads  would  a'  be  gaen ; ' 
'Twas  aye  the  auld  sweet  story  o'  the  heart 


*  3otta 

Which  moves  the  warld  tae  heights  or  depths 

apart. 
Prophetic  powers  they  make  believe  reside 
In  this  or  that  to  draw  the  veil  aside, 
To  show  to  each  their  matrimonial  fates 
And  give  the  measure  of  their  coming  mates ; 
Or  kail,  or  nits,  whate'er  the  test  may  be, 
They  breathless  wait  their  visioned  destiny. 
When  this  they  see,  if  fair  or  foul  they  deem, 
Then  gay  or  douce  the  tested  ones  may  seem ; 
In  feigned  mood  the  others  may  condole. 
Or  merry  laughter  warmly  flood  the  whole. 
While  this  or  that  some  try  for  sake  of  fun, 
In  other  minds  a  serious  faith  may  run ; 
Their  heart's  d'^sire,  should  it  with  sign  agree. 
Well  pleased  are  they  to  help  the  prophecy. 
When  a'  together  they  a  test  may  try, 
Nae  special  need  tae  bravely  spooks  defy ; 
But  if  alane,  in  outer  darkness  tried, 
Wi'  eery  fears  which  canna  be  denied, 
Imagination  then  wild  pranks  may  play 
With  those  who  dare  their  futures  thus  assay. 
They  lift  the  veil  and  things  then  seen  or  heard 
Most  wondrous  seemed  when  told  by  those  who 

dared ; 
Fu'  oft  they  ran  frae  bam,  or  burn,  or  stack. 
As  if  the  deil  himsel'  were  at  their  back. 
Sma'  wonner,  this,  when  fairy  fouk  were  there. 
Or  walkin'  roun',  or  flyin'  through  the  air. 


Jr~ 


m 


?orta  5 

Wi'  a'  the  skirlin  and  the  telling  o'er, 
Of  fun  and  frolic  there  is  now  galore 
When  found  the  cause  o'  a'  this  fearsome  fricht, 
Some  hairmless  beastio  wanderin'  i'  the  nicht ; 
Our  -spirits,—  roused  by  some  uncanny  tales  ' 
Of  sights  and  sounds  on  hillside  or  in  dales 
Of  Scottish  land,  where  elves  delight  to  roam,— 
Saw  bodied  forth  in  our  Canadian  home 
Such  spectral  sights  as  made  us  often  run, 
Nor  could,  mid  doubt  and  laughter,  see  the  fun ; 
At  gloamin'  time  we  tramp  wi'  courage  fine 
On  errands  bent,  or  drivin'  hame  the  kine, 
Yet  aft  we  feel  the  need  o'  whusslin  some 
Tae  keep  oor  herts  frae  yieldin'  tae  the  gloam ; 
But  dae  oor  best,  we  may  t'  -ough  dark'ning  air 
Change  stumps  tae  bogles ;— then  we  falt'rin 
stare ; 

Wi'  stealthy  tread  and  watchfu'  eye  we  scan 
Till  safely  past ;  then  tip-toe  fleetly  ran. 
While  ghostly  pranks  thus  played  with  us  oor 

een 
Yet  other  kind  abound  at  hallowe'cn ; 
The  younkers  then  a  license  often  take 
Tae  practise  jc   .3  which  toil  and  trouble  make; 
A  plough  or  harrow  long  you  sought  wi'  care 
And  found  at  length  high  dangling  in  the  air. 
On  treetop  perching  where  the  impish  brood 
Wi'  toil  and  danger  ofF  tae  neighboring  wood 
Were  willing  thus  to  awkward  burdens  bear 


6 


5ocra 


That  added  zest  the  evening's  fun  might  share. 

A  wagon  wheel  might  also  missing  be, — 

A  sair  vexation,  this,  we  a'  agree ; 

In  mow   when   threshing,— how   the   fun   went 
round, — 

Deep  hidden  there  the  missing  wheel  was  found ! 

This  much  be  said, —  tae  gie  the  deil  his  due, — 

That  necbur's  threshing  soon  would  come,  they 
knew. 

Fu'  mony  snaw.«  oor  heids  hae  silvered  o'er 

Sin'  set  thae  aays  for  us  tae  rise  nae  more, 
Yet  noo  lang  past  for  you  and  me,  ma  frern. 
When  yon  we  look  they  seem  as  of  yestreen. 
The  old  time  customs,  each  may  pass  away, 
And  yet  the  later  be  the  better  day ; 
The  truth  of  which  forbid  we  should  deny 
And  gie  tae  life  and  holy  Writ  the  lie ; 
But  kindly  deal  wi'  those  who  may  in-line, 
Through  haze  o'  years,  tae  love  their  auld  lang 
syne. 


Ye  weel  remember  hoo  we  took  oor  snufF, 

And  fouk  the  noo  wad  think  it  strange  enough. 

Yet  fu'  o'  humor,  as  we  noo  look  back, 

Tae  see  oor  forebears  takin'  their  tobac. 

For  social  service  and  religious,  too, 

None  more  than  they  its  many  uses  k^  2W. 

How  large  a  part, —  now  let  me  sneezing  say, 


•n.v^r.i- 


3otta 


i 

^ 


The     snushin'  "  *  played  in  Zorra'«  early  day. 

A  curved  and  polished  silver-mounted  horn 

Gave  forth  its  pinches  lang  ere  we  were  born  ; 

Through  a'  the  years  its  fragrant  odor  clings 

And  aye  tac  me  o'  ither  days  it  sings ; 

In  laddie  years  from  thee  I  pinches  took 

And      then,— unseasoned,— how      I      sneezing 
shook !  * 

Explosions  oft  in  quick  succession  sound. 
While  laughter  may  at  my  expense  abound. 
I  smell  thee  now,  and  thoughts  of  others  rise 
Who  tapped  thee  oft,—  lang  hame  aboon  the 
skies ; 

Thy  checkered  story,  could  we  fully  share. 
Of  social  crack,  of  Scottish  praise  and  prayer. 
Would  wondrous  be;  if  o'er  it  all  we  ran, 
Our  hearts  more  vibrant  to  chief  end  of  man. 
Its  vision  now  doth  bring  the  past  to  view. 
The  reason  why  'vis  mentioned  thus  to  you. 
On  Jacob's  mummy  should  we  ever  gaze, 
More  vivid,  then,  the  patriarchal  days ;' 
And  storied  pasts,  now  hidden  'neath  debris. 
May  yet  arise  to  speak  to  you  and  me. 
Some  concrete  object  held  before  the  eye 
And  linked  with  customs  far  away  or  nigh. 
By  mental  law  it  helps  the  soul  to  share 
A  clearer  view  than  else  might  body  there; 
*  A  pinch  of  snuff. 


8 


5orra 


The  horns  and  boxes  made  to  hold  their  snufF 
Were  part  and  parcel  then  of  household  stuff, 
The.r  style  and  cost  to  suit  the  vaste  and  purse, 
Frae  wandenn'  Wull  tae  strutting  lord  Fitzurze 
And  each  more  fit  to  meet  life's  daily  round 
With  greater  cheer  if  snuff  in  box  were  found, 
borne  more,  some  less,  they  own  the  habit's  sway, 
And,-  s  range  to  tell,-  their  noses  they  obey 
On   rural   roads,   when   friends   and   neighbors 
meet,  ° 

With  leisured  air  they  each  the  other  greet. 
And  while  they  wait  tae  hae  a  freendly  crack 
They  pass  the  box  and  duly  take  tobac. 
Its  silent  language  each  doth  understand, 
Which  speaks  good  will  like  firmly  clasped  hand, 
abn    ~  '*"  'ge,— 'twas  freely  parsed 

While  things  eterr.rl  held  the  reverent  throng; 
From  pew  to  pew  a  box  might  make  its  way, 
Dispensmg  cheer,  nor  from  its  owner  strayt 
Not  even  aisles  could  bar  the  fair  exchange. 
For,  bridged  by  arms,  o'er  these  they  also  range. 
A  socia   whim,—  not  always  sent  to  serve. 
But  higher  good  they  often  thus  conser^-e. 
Now  here,  now  there,  a  nodding  head  you  see. 
And  cxt  by  snores  our  ears  may  startled  be- 
Their  spirits  willing,  oft  the  flesh  was  weak,- 
i  his  nae  forget,  gin  ye  a  cause  may  seek. 
Nor  harshly  judge  if  wearied  bodies  there 


'    -..cva.".'i30ii£  :iv.^,&fln  ;fl^i  ri. 


5orta 


9 


Do  oft  succumb  amid  the  drowsy  air. 
VVx'  earnest  effort  ane  may  strive  tae  keep 
Himsel   awake  and  fight  unwelcome  sleep; 
Frae  nod  tae  nod  his  bondage  duly  grows, 
A  final  plunge!  and  head  erect  he  throws' 
Noo  wide  awake,  he  slyly  glances  roun' 
Ana  hopes  nane  saw,  sae  lang  as  absent  soun'; 
But  then,  ah  me !    Again  when  silence  reigned 
^u   deep   and  truth  an  eager  hearing  gair^d. 

0  er  a  the  kirk  a  stert'rous  sound  explodes 
As  if  of  trump  which  day  of  doom  forebodes. 
Some  faintly  smile  and  .slightly  turn  the  head, 
The  sooner  o'er  *he  least  that's  done  or  said 
lorhaps  nae  weel  tae  spier  hoo  those  micht  feel 
Wha  sat  m  pew  lang  side  this  snoring  chiel; 

!•  rae  sic  a  din  they  fain  wad  sink  awa  ;- 

1  he  service  o'er,  he  hears  a  ward  or  twa ' 
When  lang  the  ride  and  frosty  was  the  air, 
Wi  heated  kirk  and  lang  the  service  there. 
When  sma'  the  heed,  if  heed  at  a'  they  paid, 
Tae  ventilate  and  help  the  drowsy  head, 
Sma'  wonner  then  if  vict'ry  aften  crowned 
The  Morphean  god,—  we  heard  it  a'  around- 
Mayhap  that  Scot  this  weakness  often  shows, 
1  hough  greater  now  this  effort  of  his  nose- 
A  moment  thus,  then  each  with  solemn  mien ' 
Gives  ear  devout  tae  speech  o'  things  unseen  • 
Mair  aften  still  sic  nods  and  snorin'  soun' 

If  m  the  pews  nae  snushin  helps  were  foun' 


/ 


k 


^muk^M^mi.imiLZr^sx^sMi^'A^jjtrj^)   i^aa^"..  t^^ 


10 


?orra 


n. 


The  cWcr  bairn.,  though  h^ht  the  pinch  they 

Explosive'  nod,  their  frame,  rnay  quickly  shake; 

In  that  event,  wi' me  ye  may  agree, 

Of  evils  twa,  a  snore  the  least  may  be. 

The  pew  and  poopit,  noo,  when  ye  compare. 

T       noop.t  aye  doth  take  the  lion's  share ; 

In  private  crack  or  when  he  public  stands. 

The  box  fu'  aft  he  pats  wi'  kindly  hands; 

And  loyal  veesits  tae  saint  Snushin's  shrine 

Seem  speech  tae  charge  wi'  mair  o'  fire  divine' 

When  ony  time  frae  speech  he  there  may  rest 

In  solemn  pause,  ere  ither  truth  is  pressed, 

W.   leisured  «,r  his  box  is  held  tae  view, 

Frae  which,  when  tapped,  a  gen'rous  pinch  he 
drew,  '^ 

A  pairt  n'  this  ane  nostril  duly  bore 
While  a' t,  0  rest  he  draps  on  poopit  floor; 
A  pinch  he  then  the  ither  nostril  gave, 
And  what  was  left  he  scattered  wi'  the  lave 

Nor  yet  complete  the  process  must  ye  deem, 

A  clern  proboscis  'tis  that  gets  esteem ; 
For  this  he  first  a  red  bandanna  plies. 
And  then  a  .lue.- the  color  of  the  skies.- 
The  third  a  white;  if  this  immaculate, 
Ihe  service  moves  sae  earnest  yet  sedate 
^e  such  there  was,  at  least  hae  I  been  tauld. 
Wha  fruits  o'  flesh  cv.d  speerit  did  unfauld  • 


^orra 


11 


Wlion  he  the  ano  had  treated  lang  i  nough, 


A  fitting  time  whs  this  tfic  tnk  \ 


IIS    N 


nuff. 


In  queried  form  he  forth  an  inkling  threw 
As  from  the  box  n  pinch  of  smifT  he  drew, 


my   friends, —  what   nro 


The   works   of  flesh, 
they  now?  " 

His  answer  came,  "  They  just  are  these  I  trow  "; 
And  word  to  action  suitin/r  there  and  then, 
His  nose  with  snushin  served  both  hut  nnd  hen! 
This  time,  at  least,  to  ope  the  Scottish  head, 
No  surgi'on  called  nor  operation  made! 

In  all  ♦' "  ages  since  the  world  began 

Have  hearts  rejoiced  when  found  helpmeet  for 

man; 
With  mutual  joy  the  primal  pair  was  blessed, 
And  each  through  other  found  the  heart  at  rest; 
On  each  descended  from  the  God  of  love 
A  blended  union,  pure  as  heav'n  above. 
Their    language,    Gaelic, —  strange    you    never 

knew ! 

Their  first  glad  greeting,  "  Ciamer  ha  sibh  an 
diugh?  "  5 

From  primal  pair  descends  by  right  divine 
This  joy  direct  upon  the  Gaelic  line ; 
And  Robbie's  sel  wi'  this  doth  quite  agree, 
Sae  Highland  Mary  sings  for  you  and  me. 
Aneath  the  sway  of  love's  reviving  wand 
»  How  are  you  to-day  ? 


'  M 
1,1 


u 


3orra 


The  heart  is  young  though  nearly  run  the  sand; 
This  greatest  grace  abides  through  all  the  years, 
And  youth  renews  with  life  in  other  spheres. 
The  mair  tae  show  their  kindly  herts'  gude 
will, — 

When  marriage  bells  rang  oot  their  tidings  still, 
That  ance  again  twa  herts  did  beat  as  ane, 
And  cudna  walk  apairt  juist  by  their  lane,— 
The  mair  o'  joy  that  they  themsel's  might  share 
While  makin'  merry  owre  the  wedded  pair, 
The  wedding  feast  for  days  they  did  prolong, 
And  life  was  gay  wi'  drappie,  dance,  and  song. 
Ane  such,  while  yet  a  wee  bit  laddie  then, 
Mair  freshly  bides  than  in  my  childish  ken ; 
The  dance,  the  laugh,  and  a'  their  sprightly  air. 
As  o'er  the  floor  they  tripped  and  joked  the  fair ; 
Amang  them  there,  I  noo  remember  weel. 
The   bairn   they  watched,  nor  trampled  under 
heel. 

The  skirlin  pipes  the  needed  music  gave 
For  lassies  fair  and  laddies  leal  and  brave ; 
A  grand  finale  filled  the  room  with  glee 
And  Sandy  thocht  'twas  time  for  barley-bree; 
On  frecndly  terms  wi'  John  micht  Sandy  walk 
A  gill  or  twa,— at  more  than  that  they  balk. 
They   tussle   whiles,   then   John   knocks   Sandy 
doon. 

And  there  he  lies,  a  helpless,  silly  loon. 
I  see  him  noo,  as  on  the  straw  he  lay 


3otra 


13 


■i 


Amang  the  kine,  a  sorry  sicht  that  day. 
Tae  help  the  fun,  or  tae  express  the  joy, 
Nae  biding  need  that  John  they  should  employ ; 
He  whiles  tae  tongues  a  greater  freedom  gave, 
Nor  always  sure  what  customs  he  might  brave ; 
Then  speech  and  action  more  grostesque  might 
grow 

And  coarser  laughter,  fun  and  frolic  flow ; 
Yet  fine  ye  ken  sae  aft  when  a'  is  o'er. 
The  hairst  that's  reapit  maks  ane  glum  and  sore. 
When  larger  grown,  wi'  mony  freends  aroun' 
Frae  country  side  as  weel  as  frae  the  ^own, 
We  a'  foregather  tae  a  wedding  where 
For  John  is  found  nae  room  nor  welcome  there ; 
Yet  ilka  ane  fu'  happy  was,  ye  ken. 
Nor  need  o'  John  tae  help  them  tae  unben'. 
Like  canny  Scots  they  wait  in  sober  crack 
Till  a'  is  o'er  and  bridegroom  hac  his  smack. 
Wi^  cheerfu'  mien  the  elders  round  the  board 
Enjoy  the  feast  which  loving  hands  hae  stored. 
While  owre  them  a',  wi'  patriarchal  air. 
Sedately  beams  the  "  under  shepherd  "  there. 
Nae  room  was  there  for  a'  tae  sit  aroun', 
And  bairns  they  wait  till  proper  time  be  foun'; 
They  quietly  crack  and  giggle  while  they  wait 
And  a'  the  mair  hae  hunger  fine  tae  sate. 
All  wait,  content  in  quiter  mood  tae  bide, 
Nor  much  they  chafF  the  happy  groom  and  bride 
While  yet  the  pastor,  whom  they  all  revere. 


1 1 


C 


titi 


14 


^orra 


Pervades  the  presence  with  his  caln.er  cheer. 
When  comes  the  time  his  sonsie  wife  and  he 
Take  kmdiy  leave,  while  all  wait  rev'.ently. 
^o  hurned  service  then  for  wedded  pair, 
J^ut    slow    and    measured   came    the    word   and 
prayer ; 

With  serious  minds  the  sacred  vows  they  take, 

Th'  I       '  "":  ""r'  '^'  ^""''^^  '"^  «ft  they  brake. 
iho  honor  due  the  shepherd  of  the  fold 

How  freely  shown  by  Scottish  h.arts  of  old; 
For  those  .ho  thus  the  path  of  rev'rence  trod 
1  was  but  a  step  to  bow  before  their  God 
Ihis  vem  enough  so  long  as  he  was  there- 
But  now    absolved,  indulge  a  lighter  air;' 
The  healthy  hun.or  which  so  much  abounds 
More    reely  shows  in  pawkie  sights  and  sounds; 
A  youthful  heart  may  beat  'neath  snows  of  age 
^ov  less  the  worth  when  joy  unbends  the  sage 
I  see  them  now,-  the  scene  re.nembered  well,- 
VVhen  fun  arose  and  harmless  mirth  did  swell 
As  some  reserve  was  quickly  broken  through' 
And  marnage  bells  'ga„  ringing  there  anew; 
A  spnghtly  granny,  silvered  o'er  with  years, 
^J  Jth  laughter  shook  them  e'en  to  starting  tears 
When  o  er  the  floor  an  aged  Scot  she  led, 
And  lightly  trippe..  as  though  their  youth  un- 
lied. 

No  brief  we  hold  for  «  light,  fantastic  toe," 
loo  oft  the  source  of  social  death  and  woe. 


t-i. 


lorra 


15 


The  record  this  of  lighter  vein  and  mood, 
Of  snnpJe  folk  unspoiled  by  vicious  brood 
Of  later  years,—  the  honest  hearted  ways 
Of  those  who  lived  in  more  primeval  days, 
l^ach   wedding   o'er,    the    news    thereof   spread 

round 
O'er  ranges  wide  within  the  parish  bound. 
And   lads    and    lassies,   when    they    wend   their 

way 

Tae  village  kir'    upon  the  Sabbath  day,— 
Chief  end,  of  course,  tae  render  worship  due 
But  +hen  nae  hairm   if  bride  and  groom  they 
iew, —  *^ 

With  furtive  glance  they  eye  the  happy  pair, 
VV  ho  sit,  self-conscious,  with  unconscious  air. 
Ihe  leisured  service,  when  at  length  'tis  o'er 
Outside  the  kirk  they  linger  round  the  door; 
Amid  their  cracks  they  crane  their  necks  tae 
see 

The  bride  and  groom  and  what  their  mainners 
be. 

Mair  things  they  see  than  this  poor  pen  can  tell, 
VVi    praise  or  blame  frae  those  wha  wish  thci 
well ; 

And  wondrous  strange  sic  movements  o'  the  soul 
Frae  this  and  that  tae  quickly  judge  the  whole, 
And  nature  oft  may  more  unerring  see 
The  truth  of  things  than  when  they  reasoned  be. 
Of  this,  mang  a',  they  crack  alang  the  way. 


''Jl 


! 


16 


3otra 


As  a'  hae  dune  frae  Adam  tae  this  day. 
The  bride,  a  target  for  each  darting  eye, 
Contented  moves ;  her  own  dear  lord  is  nigh. 
O  happy  union  when  with  love  'tis  blest, 
And  each  in  other  finds  the  heart  at  rest ; 
Thou  sacred  bond,  the  fruit  of  love  divine. 
Though  marred  by  sin,  yet  heav'nly  mys'tries 

shine 
In  thee,  fair  symbol  here  of  mystic  tie 
Which  binds  our  hearts  to  Lord  of  love  on  high. 
From  heav'nly  love  the  primal  union  rose. 
And  some  thereof  each  heartfelt  union  knows ; 
Its  Author's  will  that  wedded  life  should  bide 
Till  life  below  should  cease  its  flowing  tide; 
Their  mutual  needs  in  fullness  each  supply 
And  truant  hearts  but  prove  the  devil  nigh. 
One  bride  and  Groom  in  mystic  life  above 
Forbids  on  earth  a  plural  life  in  love ; 
When  wayward  hearts  transgress  the  will  divine. 
Nor  care  to  see  the  heav'nly  pattern  shine. 
The  gates  they  ope  to  let  the  foe  within 
And  heav'n  departs  as  hell  is  ushered  in. 
The  primal  law,  ordained  for  all  mankind 

Ere  evil  came  to  sway  the  heart  and  mind, 

That  law  alone  the  race  from  ruin  saves 
And  freemen  genders  'stead  of  sensual  slaves ; 
Edenic  law,  as  honored  by  the  race, 
From  full  eclipse  hath  saved  our  Father's  face. 


5otta 


n 


This  law  o'er  life  our  Scottish  forebears  threw, 
And  by  its  strength  they  scarce  divorces  knew. 

Though  men  are  born,  they  may  not  married  be ; 
Yet  ance  they're  born,  'tis  sure  they  all  must 

dee; 
Their  joy  at  birth  and  marriage  may  abound. 
And    death    with    sorrow    weigh    them    to    the 

ground, 
But  each  emotion,  as  to  force  and  form. 
May  gentle  be,  or  like  the  rushing  storm, 
1   ;r  temper,  custom,  faith,  and  racial  mood, 
In  gauging  each  must  still  be  understood. 
Controlled  by  these,  expression  oft  may  change. 
And  make  its  play  o'er  all  the  gamut  Vange ; 
If  quieter  this  in  any  case  appear. 
Mayhap  not  less  the  strength,  nor  less  sincere ; 
A  deep  emotion  may  possess  the  soul 
And  yet  the  surface  all  unbroken  roll. 
The  Scottish  folk,  in  outward  frame  serene, 
A  wealth  of  feeling  reigned  their  breasts  within. 
The  final  summons,  when  they  heard  its  ca' 
For  freends  tae  flit  tae  their  "  lang  hame  "  awa, 
Resigned  they  bow,  obedient  tae  his  will, 
And  calmly  own  that  he  is  righteous  still. 
In  gracious  mood  they  wend  their  pilgrim  way. 
His  sovereign  pleasure  always  good,  they  say; 
And  o'er  the  earth,  'mid  all  its  dust  and  din, 


i; 


18 


?orra 


lull  mgh  tl.oy  feel  the  greater  life  unseen; 
lanuhar  thus  to  them  its  presence  grown, 
Wjth  qu.eter  heart  the  call  to  go  they  own. 
V\  hen  left  behind  the  nmrtal  house  of  clay 
i"  hope  to  bide  the  resurrection  day, 
r.ll   comes   the  time   when   friends  consim,   the 
dust  ° 

To  wait  in  earth  the  rising  of  the  just, 
Hehgious  vigils  then  in  homes  they  kept 
And  cmnfort  gave,  while  others  wearied  slept. 
Ihough  s.lent  oft,  yet  'tis  a  source  of  cheer 
l<or  hearts  bereaved  to  know  that  friends  are 
near; 

Vet  not  alone  for  this  they  there  are  found, 
But  that  the  place  of  mourning  might  redound 
Ihrough  higher  good  to  show  Jehovah's  praise 
And  teach  our  hearts  the  nun.ber  of  our  days. 
Mid  silent  th    ,ght  the  world  unseen  drew  nigh, 
And  hearts  were  moved  to  sense  the  One  most 
High, 

There  felt  the  truth  of  what  the  sage  of  vore 
Pound  out  as  part  of  life's  well  tested  lo're,- 
Thaij^^house   of  mirth   the   house  of  mourning 

Did    lead    the   heart   to   heav'nly   peace   and 
rest. 

The  elders  grave,  or  other  spiritual  men. 
In  turn  the^,  led  and  brought  within  our  ken 
Such  needed  truth  from  out  the  page  divine 


3otra 


19 


As   warnitd   the   heart   and  caused   the   face   to 

shine; 
It  now  might  be,  while  leisured  moments  fled, 
The  thouglits  of  all  in  monologue  were  led; 
And  then  again,  as  o'er  wide  fields  they  browse, 
A  dialogue  might  drowsy'  spirits  rouse. 
Then,  too,  a  story  told  in  homely  guise 
Gave  added  light  and  oped  some  sleepy  eyes ; 
If  some  depart,  still  others  there  appear; 
A  session  ends,  and  "  creature  comforts  "  cheer ; 
Religious  truth,  with  solemn  prayer  and  praise 
And  social  converse, — "  wake  "  of  early  days ! 
More   nigh    through   thee   was   felt   th'   eternal 

world 
Hard  by  the  veil  as  one  life's  banner  furled. 

When  came  the  time  the  mortal  part  to  lay 
In  earthly  home  to  wait  the  final  day. 
No  worldly  pressure  made  them  hurry  through 
As  if  begrudging  what  thoy  had  to  do. 
Nor  yet  deferred  to  day  of  sacred  rest 
That  more  eclat  may  bring  an  added  zest 
When  greater  numbers  then  may  tribute  pay 
Who  never  else  from  work  would  turn  away. 
The  worship  o'er,  they  then  refreshments  serve 
Tae   a'   the   fouk   tae   help   tiicir   strength  con- 
serve,— 
Some    cheese    and    crackers,    yes,    some    usque- 
baugh,— 


*    il 


so 


5orra 


This  social  law  they  freely  then  obey. 
When  a'  is  ready,  then  in  double  file 
Tae  kirkyard  march,  fu'  aft  for  many  a  mile. 
The  foremost  four,  they  raise  the  coffined  dead 
And    on    their    shoulders    bear    with    measured 
tread; 

A  chosen  one  now  marshalls  the  array. 
He  leads  tlie  van  and  guides  along  the  way. 
The  time  for  rest,  when  come  in  his  belief. 
They  each  may  learn  when  heard  his  cry,  "  re- 
lief"; ^ 

The  following  four  now  forward  bear  the  bier 
While  those  relieved  fall  in  when  comes  the  rear ' 
Our  fathers  thus  with  rev'rent  minds  they  bore' 
And  laid  to  rest  their  dead  in  days  of  yore. 

Strange  tales  were  told  of  how  at   times   they 
knew 

By  sight,  or  sound,  events  which  soon  were  due  • 
Or  true,  or  false,  'tis  not  for  me  to  say,— 
I  here  but  write  the  faith  of  early  day  • 
Sincere  were  they  that  thus  thev  hoard  and  saw, 
\  et  we  may  spurn  and  talk  of  reign  of  law 
We  arch  our  brows  and  look  most  owlish  wise. 
Or  smile  thereat  in  sceptical  surprise. 
But  part  and  parcel,  such,  of  hoary  brood 
Begot  in  minds  who  never  understood 
The  laws  of  nature,  then  with  childish  thought 
A  world  unseen  from  heated  fancy  wrought; 


3orra 


21 


id 
>d 


With  wave  of  hand  if  thus  sweep  all  away, 

Not  mine  a  pro  or  con,  a  yea  or  nay ; 

In  simple  phrase  I  merely  here  record 

Some   things   affirmed   liy   folk   who   feared   the 

Lord. 
To  other  world  their  racial  mood  inclined, 
And  truth  revealed,  more  fully  this  defined; 
With   spiritual   realms    their   souls   would   fain 

commune 
And,  walking  here,  their  hearts  were  still  aboon ; 
With  souls  attuned  to  unseen  worlds,  thev  trod 
Full  near  the  veil,  and  there  the  voice  of  God 
Believed  they  heard,  us  we"  as  purpose  knew 
By  signs  which  then  their  soleiiui  heed  they  drew. 
Not  all  thus  heard  or  saw^ —  the  reason  why, 
Not  mine  to  say  or  in  such  things  to  pry. 
A  child  at  night  hies  off  to  hillside  spring 
That  she  from  thence  may  needed  water  bring; 
When  back  she  comes,  her  parents  hear  with  awe 
That  many  folk  along  its  slope  she  saw: 
A  little  while, —  to  yonder  hillside  came 
The  folk  she  saw, —  for  one  was  summoned  hame. 
A  sawing  sound,  and  that  of  driving  nails, 
Of  boards  removed  from  overhanging  rails. 
In  some  night  watch  while  all  are  quiet  in  bed, 
Next  day  a  coffin  order  for  the  dead. 
To  wiser  heads  such  spooky  things  I  leave. 
That  they  o'er  all  a  web  of  my..'try  weave. 
Or  else  in  lighter  vein  pooh-pooh  the  same. 


(i 


i  / 


}JX 


?orra 


And  superstiHon  vhurffv  wit),  a||  Uu-  hla,,,.; 
A  .Hiinpio  scrilK-,  I  MKTolv  lure,  ncovd 
Such  thinKs  w.r.  tohJ  l.^y-  thov  who  fcaml  the 
I/ord. 

The  sceptic  n.ind,  though  ne'er  ..o  learned  and 
sane, 

Might  :jet  do  well  to  hark  the  gentle  Dane; 

In  caj^th  and  heav'n  more  things  there  yet  niaj 

Than  men  e'er  dreamed  in  their  philosophy. 

From  things  funereal  turn  we  now  to  .«ee 
The  Highland  games  and  else  that  there  may  be. 
IhQ  Grecian  heroes  thus  in  davs  of  old,—  ' 
As  Scio's  hard  in  verse  immortal  told  — 
On  plains  of  Troy  their  varied  gan.es  pursue. 
And  striving  thus,  a  larger  vigor  knew. 
Prom  twiligl,    years  of  far  Homeric  time 
lo  latest  age,  we  find  in  prose  and  rhyme 
Admiring  tribute  laid  at  feet  of  those" 
Who  laurels  won  o'er  those  who  them  oppose; 
h  en  holy  Writ  their  service  well  it  knew 
And  showed  through  them  how  nobler  stnig^Ies 
grew  "" 

On  fields  of  faith,  where  all  who  strive  may  win 
Immortal  trophies  o'er  embattled  sin 

Do  better  fit  to  reach  each  chosen  goal  • 

This  Athens  saved  and  us  from  stagnant  fate 


3ortii 


SB 


'i 


Wliin   she   in   strength   hurled   off  the    IVrsiiin 

stntf; 
\or  would  her  soul,  if  wcik  its  house  of  chiy. 
He  c-rowiied  with  wrenths  of  everl/istin^  \m\. 
Heiuove  ()Ivm|)ies, —  then  her  mntehless  power 
Might  hirthless  be  with  its  immortal  doi  er; 
And   (Jreek   with  Greek,   when   tugging  for  tlie 

pri/e 
Of  hijifh  renown  in  all  the  nfition's  oyos, 
That  nation  helfjed  to  rise  to  heights  sublime 
And  send  its  lustre  down  to  latest  time. 
Auld  Seotia's  sons,  they  clasped  the  hands  of 

Greece 
In  uiarHal  fame  and  gentle  arts  of  peace; 
Their  mode  of  life  a  hardy  temper  gave, 
And  foemen  felt  they  grappled  with  the  brave. 
Their  hills  and  dales  arid  loud  resounding  sea 
Did  plant  in  each  the  spirit  of  the  free; 
'I'he  one,  the  shock  of  Persian  hosts  they  bore 
And   turned   the   tide   which   ebbed    to   flow   no 

more ; 
The  other  oft  a  tyrant's  will  defied 
And  freedom  rang  o'er  glen  and  mountain  side; 
In  higher  realms  they  helped  its  flag  to  wave 
Than  Grecian  patriot  saw  or  died  to  save. 
The  world  to  both  abiding  homage  owes 
As  o'er  the  earth  a  worthy  freedom  grows. 
Heroic  souls,  'tis  true,  you  oft  may  find 
Still  housed  in  bodies,  feeblest  of  their  kind, 


(, 


m 


3orra 


TLough  «tronK  t  .  .onl«  they  hurl  in  frecdon.'. 

And  sing  the  boon  to  men  of  right.ou,  law,- 

In  d.reful  jtrc««   unfit  to  .sei^e  the  prize       ' 
Or  v.«,onod  good,- to  bring  it  frin,  the  skie,  ■ 

i.e.oul.nn„ghttoactfor„.enandGod  ' 

Mdl  Wed  ,n  strength  to  break  th' oppressor'. 

non,erio  d..ds  Ho.nerie  n,en  must  do 

ihro^  gh  force  of  soul,  through  force  of  body 

VVith^much  of  each  fro.     God's  great  out-of- 

Havc  those  been  blest  who  drew  upon  its  stores- 

On  shou  ders  strong  who  oft  have  borne  the  fate 

peoples,- these  their  destined  tasks  f    fi, 
%   power   unvrought    fron.    forest,   flood,    ind 

The  prophet's  n.essage,  clear,  decisive,  bold, 
In  thundc.  tones  fron,  tempered  bodie    rolled  • 

Apostles  too   with  frames  to  toil  inured,  ' 

The  choice  of  Uun  who  all  for  us  endured  • 

Nor  yet  could  He  such  special  burdens    eaV 
O    f -;b'  strength,  if  n.ea^c-  were  his  share. 

r  on    he  sea   or  on  the  mountain  side. 
Or  on  the  h.gl_.w-ays  tra.nped  Me  far  and  wide ; 
B>    n,g^t  and  day,  through  heat  and  winte  's 


3orra 


X.'J 


lliiiiHilf  Ilf  gnvv,—  a  «ncrifico  untold. 
liy  what  He  was  and  men  He  chose  to  lead, 
On  bodies  sound  He  smiled  in  very  deed; 
And  bodies  frail  He  oft  on  earth  renewed, 
Companions  fit  for  souls  with  health  imbued ; 
Nor  jet  will  rest  until  in  other  spheres 
Immortal  bodies  share  the  endless  years. 
Frae  land  o'  heather  Scotia's  sons  may  roam, 
'iet  love  her  still  where'er  they  find  a  home; 
And  sports  pursued  by  fathers  yond  the  sea, 
In  lands  afar  by  sons  they  practised  be. 
Nor  mair  devotion  found  in  ony  dime 
Than  'man^  the  Scots  o'  Zorra's  early  lime. 
A'  clans  were  there  wha'ever  had  a  fray, 
Frae  John-o'-groats  tae  Mull  o'  Galloway. 
This  Scotia  Minor  each  Octolxr  came 
Tae  Embro  town,  where  candidates  for  fame, 
Wi'  feats  o'  strength,  or  those  o'  agile  skill, 
(Jic  lads  and  lassies  mony  a  healthy  thrill. 
The  distant  skirl  o'  bagpipes  now  Ve  hear. 
Which  stir  the  bluid,  though  faint   they  strike 

the  ear; 
Like  parting  skies  where  glory  shines  afar. 
Those  sounds  reveal  old  worlds  of  love  and  war. 
Along  the  road  should  buggy  pass  us  by. 
And  nodding  plumes  o'er  lowered  top  we' spy, 
A  token  this,  we  each  do  quite  agree. 
Of  wondrous  deeds  and  men  of  chivalry. 
With  eager  hearts  we  tread  the  Embro  way; 


S6 


3orra 


And  tongues,  thov  wag  'bout  many  things  that 

(lay. 
A'  roads  they  lead  tae  Zorra's  mithor  town 
And  bring  tlie  clans  frao  a'  the  airts  aroun'. 
For  escort  now,  the  village  as  we  near, 
A  piobairc  comes,  sae  braw  in  Highland  gear. 
Ourselves  we  yield  to  those  inspiring  strains, 
And  martial  stride  each  laddie  quickly  gains. 
Nac  ither  toon  in  a'  the  warld  was  there 
In  ony  way  wi'  ?:mbro  could  compare. 
O'  Ayr,  Dumfries,  Kilmarnock,  or  Mauchline, 
Wi'  mony  ithers  here  and  there  atween, 
O'  these  might  Robbie  sing  in  numbers  fine 
As  bonnie  lassies  might  his  heart  incline; 
Tae  Zorra  bairns  'twas  Embro  filled  the  o'e 
And  'mang  them  a'  fu'  easy  bore  the  gree; 
All  fringed  aboot  wi'  mony  a  smiling  field, 
Where  meikle  hairsts  the  fertile  grun'  did  yield, 
A  bonnie  frame  was  a'  the  rural  scene 
Tae  gird  the  clachan  nestling  there  within. 

Not  far  ye  went  in  ony  airt  aroun' 

Till  a'  behind  was  left  the  wee  bit  town ; 

Wi'  gathering  clans,  when  teemed  its  street  or 

twa, 
Tae  bairns  nae  ither  toon  sae  great  ava. 
Like  ancient  Jehus,  on  the  eastern  side 
Its  Kidron  flowed,  nor  ceased  its  purlin'  tide; 
Adown  the  slope  of  steep  descending  hill 


?orra 


27 


You  swept  o'er  brig  full  near  the  gristing  mill; 
Aboon  the  next  a  tavern's  swinging  sign 
Tae    drouthy    Scots    brought    usquebaugh    tae 
inin'; 

The  public  hoosc, —  it  gars  nic  greet  tae  say, 

For  niony  Scots  too  narrow  ma.!-    ;he    -ly: 
Yet  ever  mindfu'  o'  their  latte-   ^nd 
They  ne'er  forgot  tae  kirk  thci    sf  ps  tao  w  nd. 
Frae  kirk  and  tavern,  noo,  anc     '  4.-  rest, 
We  turn  awa  tae  campus  on  the  west ; 
Frae  a'  the  airts  the  clans  they  gather  roun' 
Tae  see  the  games  and  hear  the  pibroch's  soun'. 
Nae  pride  oor  Faither  taks  in  human  legs, 
Not  e'en  o'  those  who  wear  their  philibegs, 
For  David's  sel'  thus  spak  in  auld  lang  syne 
When  he  and  ithers  wore  their  kilts  sar  fine ; 
Yet  hairmless  pride,—  if  ony  such  there  be,— 
Ma  brithcr  Scots  wi'  me  will  quite  agree, 
Micht  weel  be  taen  in  legs  o'  Ilieland  duels, 
Sae  brawny  shown  twixt  philibeg  and  heels. 
Fu'  braw  the  sicht  tae  see  those  sturdy  men 
In  Highland  garb,  the  pride  o'  mount  and  glen ; 
Historic,  ancient,  full  of  kingly  grace, 
The  outward  symbol,  this,  of  martial  race. 
O'er  all  the  field  our  eyes  forever  ran 
Tae  watch  wi'  pride  the  kilted  Hielandman  ; 
Now  one  the  Stuart  in  brighter  colors  wore, 
Another  there  dark  hued  McCallum  More; 
Each  colored  change  and  pattern  twixt  the  two 


ii 
/I 


mmmm 


mt 


S8 


3orra 


The  clansmen  know  and  praise  its  storied  hue. 
Tlie  bonnet  blue,  adorned  wi'  heather  sprig, 
Or  waving  plume  sae  bonny,  black  and  big, 
Wi'  sash  sae  gracefu'  o'er  the  shoulders  worn, 
Ye'd  think  each  ane  wi'  kingly  bluid  was  born ; 
Wi'  belted  coat  frae  which  the  sporran  hung, 
Wi'  horn  and  sword  for  grasp  sae  handy  slung, 
Wi'  philibeg  of  clan's  own  colors  true. 
Here  goes  Fitz  James  and  there  goes  Roderick 

Dhu; 
Wi'  hose,  where  skian  in  sheath  doth  ready  lie, 
And  then  low  shoon  which  buckles  ever  tie, — 
In  a'  the  warld  ye'll  no  see  onywhere 
A  martial  dress  which  can  wi'  it  compare ; 
O'er  a'  the  earth  their  foes  the  courage  knew 
Of  kilted  soldiers  like  the  "  Frechedhan  Dhu."  « 
Now  mingling  there  in  all  this  brave  array. 
They  zest  and  glow  gave  Zorra's  gala  day. 
We  eager  watch  the  brawny  lads  who  seize 
And  toss  the  caber  there  wi'  gractfu'  ease ; 
The  heavy  hammer  next  their  muscles  try. 
While  weaker  anes  make  lighter  hammers  fly. 
Some  swing  around  a  greater  force  to  gain,' 
The  tangent  right,  or  danger  in  its  train ; 
Like  stanes  frae  catapult  they  pierce  the  air 
Sae  strong  and  swift, —  oor  een  wi'  wonner  stare. 

6  Black  Watch,  i.e.,  a  Highland  regiment,  viz.:  the 
42nd  foot,  or  Royal  Highlanders,  ha\nng  dark  colored  tar- 
tans. 


m 


wm 


3orra 


29 


I 


Now  heavy  stancs  they  '"  put  "  wi'  mighty  force, 
And  when  they  fa',  earth  trembles  in  its  course; 
In  wrestling  matches  noo  they  grapple  there 
As  if  a  ca.se  o'  life  and  death  it  were; 
Their  hardened   limbs  they   'gainst  each  other 

brace, 
Or,  quickly  shifting,  noo  they  interlace; 
Wi'  strength  and  skill,  sae  wary  there  and  bold, 
They  silent  strive  as  sides  or  backs  they  hold. 
We  breathless  watch  for  issue  of  the  fray, 
Like  Greeks  of  old  their  matchers  for  the  bay ; 
And  Scot  wi'  Scot,  when  comes  the  tug  o'  war, 
Than  Greek  wi'  Greek  a  harder  tug  by  far; 
In  strength  and  skill  they  aften  match  sae  weel 
Their  equal  honors  richly  earned  we  feel; 
More  aft,  than  ane  the  ither  proves  his  right 
Tae  bear  the  gree,—  fair  winner  i'  the  fight. 
But  not  alone  those  feats  of  strength  engage ; 
In  lighter  vein  they  other  contests  wage ; 
Wi'  springy  gait  they  jum  ng  the  ground. 

Or,  lightly  vaulting,  now  ti  ward  bound; 

Then,  fleet  of  foot,  they  man;,   races  run. 
While  other  sports  arouse  hilarious  fun. 
For  latter,  now  a  greasy  pig  they  chase, 
Or,  tied  in  sacks,  keep  tumbling  as  they  race; 
And  then  again  an  oily  pole  they  climb. 
At  least  they  try  in  efForts  maist  sublime ! 
The  tempting  goal  still  lures  as  many  fail 
While  shouts  and  laughter  each  in  turn  assail. 


I 


') 


.(/ 


K-^^.mivmM 


30 


3otra 


The  prize,  alas!  fu'  aft  they  almost  hold, 
When  (loun  they  come  like  Tantalus  of  old 
And  if,  mair  lucky  noo  than  a'  the  rest, 
Ane  frantic  grasps  the  object  o'  his  quest, 
He  there  may  sit  and  o'er  the  Babei  grin 
While  others  feel  the  toucli  o'  some  chagrin. 
How  godd  to  know  by  toilers  ncath  the  skies. 
Where  many  run  and  few  may  win  the  prize, 
A  race  there  is  where  all  may  hope  to  gain 
Their  fadeless  crowns  and  aye  as  victor's  reign. 
From  game  tae  game,  as  staged  before  our  eyes, 
We  shift  around ;  our  interest  never  dies ; 
While  those  who  there  upon  that  field  of  fame 
Do  eager  strive  to  win  a  prize  and  name 
Are   conscious   each    that   'mong   the   watchers 

round 
Some   hearts   that   hope   for   their   success   are 

found. 
Location,  name, —  whate'er  the  cause  may  be, — 
Some  other  win?, —  a  worthy  man  is  he ! 
Such  minor  wheels  within  the  major  move 
And  social  helpers  by  their  movements  prove ; 
These  smaller  ripples  o'er  the  surface  play 
And  hv  Ip  to  swell  the  pleasures  of  the  day. 
Amid  it  all  the  Celtic  heart  is  stirred 
Wi'       bagpipe       strains, —  beloved       wherever 

heard, — 
For  here  and  there  a  piobaire  marches  round, 
And  welcome  airs  of  love  and  war  resound, 


...,^^\ 


3orra 


31 


I 


Those   airs    which   aft    hae  gently   touched  the 
heart, 

Or  nohlj  roused  to  act  heroic  part. 

The   pioberachd,   echoing   'n.ong   the   hills   and 
dales 

O'  Scotia's  realm,  doth  tell  romantic  talcs 
Of  love  and  war  adown  the  ages  old, 
'Mid  clashing  clans  so  chivalrous  and  bold  • 
And  o'er  the  world,  when  heard  on  land  or  main. 
The  ancient  fire  thrills  every  heart  again. 
On  many  fields  while  bullets  thickly  fly 
Where  foes  engage,  and  death  is  e^-er  nigh, 
The  p.oba.re  plays  as  coolv  in  the  van 
As  if  at  hame  'mang  brithers  o'  his  clan 
Beyond  the  bounds  of  Scottish  hill  and  glen 
I.;  other  fonns  they  stirre.l  the  hearts  of  men, 
^\ideoer  the  world,   'neath   many  a  changing 
chme,  ^    ^ 

From  old  Judaea  down  to  modern  time 
\et  nowhere  found  among  the  tribes  of  man 
Sac  full  a  hfe  as  'mang  the  Scottish  clan 
A  pdgnm  chiel,  lang  wand'rin  till  it  came 
Tae  find  in  Scotia's  sel  its  destined  hame, 
Wi   full  content  there  settled  down  tae  bide 
Mang  loyal  freends  while  ebbs   and   flows   the 
tide: 

They  dressed  it  oot  wi'  ribbons  a'  sae  fine. 
Their  weel  beloved  since  days  o'  auld  lang  syne  • 
When  far  the  Scot  frae  land  he  loves  sae  weel 


/I 


I 


J 


^^Ji'-r..  \';^&&m^mL^. 


a- v--«:-^' 


3S 


3otta 


His  soul  it  grips  as  if  wi  hooks  o'  steel; 

These  loyal  fires  in  fullest  measure  run 

In  youthful  years  frac  Scottish  sire  to  son, 

And  hearts  surcharged  do  ope  the  fount  of  tears 

When  heard  afar  the  piob  of  early  years. 

In  Embro  town,  in  days  o'  auld  lang  syne, 

A  piobaire  played, —  how  weel  it  keeps  in  min' ! 

Though  silent  lang  and  maist  wha  lieard  him 

then, 
Alane  he  stands  for  a'  surviving  men. 
Or  on  the  street,  or  in  the  public  hall, 
Where'er  those  airs  on  ears  enchanted  fall, 
W^e  press  around,  we  follow  at  his  heels. 
His  willing  slaves ;  our  hearts  his  music  steals. 
Full  bearded,  quiet,  and  with  a  kindly  eye, 
For  play  and  player  men  woukl  march  to  die ; 
Of  middle  age  and  sturdy  build  was  he, 
And  service  saw  on  fields  across  the  sea ; 
Crimean  heights,  they  echoed  to  his  charge. 
As  there  he  played  on  battle's  foremost  marge. 
And  gallant  foes,  when  Scotia's  sons  appeared, 
"  The  devils  red  in  petticoats  "  they  feared. 
Brittania's  queen,  for  a'  his  service  brave, 
A  set  of  pipes  full  silver  mounted  gave ; 
For  piob  and  piobaire,  soldier  o'  renown. 
We  eager  trod  the  streets  o'  Embro  town. 
The  reign  of  silence  on  the  piper  falls ; 
He  lives  and  plays  in  mem'ry's  biding  halls : 


:-i-fj^ '  mim\^ 


3orra 


sa 


From  present  scenes  while  soon  we  pass  awav. 
In  other  hves  may  ours  as  music  play. 

Noo  change  the  tune  and  gie  us  as  ye  sing 
A  line  or  twu  in  praise  o'  liieland  fling; 
Tae  leave  the  fling  mid  a'  the  rest  unsung, 
S,c  traitor  wratch  by's  taes  he  should  be  hung; 
Withoot  the  fling  on  sic  a  day  as  that  — 
As  weel  expec'  that  mouse  in  kirk  be  fat  • 
The  ane  wha  flings  needs  a'  the  floor  himsel' 
Lest  fling  meet  fling,—  a  painfu'  thing  tae  tell ; 
iNae  lassie  could  a  pairtner  tae  him  be, 
As  ony  chiel  wi'  me  wull  quite  agree 
Frae  fit  tae  fit  he  shifts  upon  the  groun', 
The  ither  flings  in  monv  airts  aroun'  • 
Fu'  sudden  noo  on's  taes  like  top  he  whirls. 
Which  weel  explains  the  absence  o'  the  girls. 
I  wonner,  noo,  when  ance  wi'  a'  his  micht 
King  David  danced  —  a  fool  in  Michal's  sicht. 
It  wesna  juist  a  Hieland  fling  he  gave?  — 
'Twad  fine  express  his  gladsome  hert  sae  brave 
Not  lane  wi'  feet  they  show  their  bubblin'  joy, 
But  flipping  fingers  o'er  their  heads  employ 
Sae  fu'  o'  grace  and  soul  and  healthy  glee' 
For  auld  lang  syne  a  hail  we  send  tae  thee.' 

Anither  dance  the  laddies'  metal  try, 

As  owre  twa  swords  their  nimble  feet  may  fly; 


l\ 


34 


3orra 


riio  swords  they  cross  right  angled  on  the  floor 
And  thin  wi'  skill  keep  stepping  'mid  the  four,— 
A  wonner  aft,  as  there  they  lightly  spring. 
That  ony  ane  can  triumphs  ever  sing. 
They  dance  fu'  wary  owrc  the  glist'ning  steel 
As  if  sonie  foe  were  lurking  at  the  heel; 
If  false  a  step,  or  sword  be  touched  or  moved, 
Some  ither  day,  if  failure  be  improved. 
The  prize  they  covet  theirs  perhaps  to  win. 
For  a'  depends  upon  the  soul  within. 
The  fling,  it  tells  that  joys  are  unconfined, 
For  gladsome  freedom  surely  weel  designed. 
But  this,  with  all  its  tense  and  watchful  care. 
For  foes  and  danger  bids  the  soul  prepare; 
Companions  these,— our  human  life  they  show, 
With    peac"    and    strife,    alternate    friend    and 
foe; 

Wi'  a'  oor  joys  we  maun  hae  self  control. 
Severe  and  watchfu',  lest  we  lose  the  whole ; 
For  worthy  joys  may  each  ane  hae  his  fling. 
And  God  be  thankit  frae  whose  love  they  spring; 
But  a'  the  while  against  oor  foes  advance 
We  maun  hae  skill  tac  spring  the  ither  dance ; 
Each  ane  the  ither  helps  tae  larger  good, 
Tae  mak'  us  victors  o'er  each  evil  brood. 
Oor  faithcrs  builded  better  than  they  knew 
When  side  by  side  these  dances  then'they  threw ; 
In  goodly  measure  each  in  life  they  tried ; 
They  cheerfu'  lived  and  in  His  fear  they  died. 


<^'l:^-^it...4'  :^*    "^'•^Itoii* 


3orta 


85 


I 

■ 


Th.r  ImiJ,  j(.  Scots  o'  Zorra's  (arly  race; 
May  you  and  yours  behold  tlie  Faither's  face! 

For  strength  o'  niin'  the  fame  o'  Scotia's  sons 
O'er  a'  the  earth  its  worthy  circuit  runs; 
The  love  o'  learning  weel  is  undf^r.etood 
For  many  years  tae  quite  infect  the  bluid; 
Frae  sire  tae  son,  though  poor  in  worldly  gear, 
Cam  love  o'  lore  as  weel  as  godly  fear: 
The  twa  in  union  gies  the  Scottish  race 
Wherever  found,  the  highest  trust  and  place. 
Wi'  common  sense  their  love  goes  Imn'  in  han' 
And  moulds  for  good  the  life  o'  mony  a  Ian' ; 
The  steepest  braes  they're  nae  afraid  tae  climb 
lae  concjuer  views  weel  stocked  wi'  things  sub- 
lime; 

The  deeps,  which  teem  wi'  questions  maist  pro- 
found. 

Still  aye  allures  the  Scottish  mind  tae  sound 
Rofreshing  streams,  wi'  a'  the  purlin'  brooks 
O'  Scotia's  life,  we  owe  the  Boo     of  books; 
Chief  end  o'  man,  as  taught  in  holy  Writ, 
Tae  worthy  paths  has  turned  the 'nation's  feet; 
The  highest  law,  if  you  the  ages  scan. 
Was  that  expressed  by  the  ideal  Man ; 
His  "  seek  ye  first  "  upturns  the  human  face 
And  wakes  the  mind  of  every  dormant  race ; 
Our  highest  nature,  touched  by  hoav'n  above, 
Revives  the  lower  in  the  scheme  of  love. 


M 


A&' 


36 


5orra 


Tl.is  iHuv'nlv  order  Scottish  wortlm-s  saw 
AruJ  all  the  luitior.  felt  the  higher  law  • 
A  v.nle  strength  it  gave  to  all  their  powers 
And  hle.sse.1  the  world  as  if  with  vernal  showers, 
intrenched   ,n  schools,   the  youth  it.s  precepts 
knew,  ^ 

And  sturdy  manhood  from  those  precepts  grew- 
1  roverbial  wisdom  fron,  the  Hook  they  learned' 
And  world  repute  as  cannie  Scotia  earned. 
Ihere.n  revealed  to  simplest  of  our  kind 
If-       arv'lous  glories  of  th'  eternal  mind. 
As  o  er  our  heads  the  starry  heavens  rise, 
And  awesome  depths  forever  meet  our  eyes. 
The  Book  of  books  still  greater  wonders  sho  - 

N  r  ""m  *  ^r:'.''^"'^^'"^    ■•'  ^v-^-r  come  to  know; 
Now  worlds  of  hemg  tlu-.v  mysterious  n.ove 
Nea  h    rolhng  clouds,  or  bathed   in   light   and 
love ; 

Unfolding  vistas  on  the  vision  rise 
Till  «]1  is  lost  beyond  the  earth  and  skies; 
From  far  off  depths  material  creatures  spring, 
\  V  hile  o  er  them  all  angelic  voices  ring  • 
Beyond  the  bounds  of  earth's  chaotic   ^ars 
And  all  the  host  of  he.v'ns  revolving  spheres, 
I  eyond  the  birth  of  spirits,-  back  of  all, 
IJefore  the  Fount  of  life  you  prostrate  fall  • 
\ou  forward  look  till  time  doth  fade  away 
And  darkness  shrouds  the  awful  heav'nly  day 
Contending  forces  there  from  age  to  age 


tf 


5? 


3orra 


37 


Within,  without,  the  spirit  world  tn^agi  , 

Ahovi',  hi  low,  the  dirofiil  tonflict  hidis 

And  my.st'r^r  still  its  final  issue  hidos, 

Yet  o'er  the  whole,  on  every  pn^'e  revealed, 

A  purpose  runs  controlling  nil  the  hVId ; 

His  will  supreme  on  whom  the  uliole  depends, 

Who  trusts  in  Him  that  sovereign  will  defends. 

Creation's  cosmos  from  its  chaos  rose 

And  shouts  of  joy  from  sons  of  (iod  arose; 

O'er  moral  realms  chaotic  visif>ns  rise 

On  earth  heneath  and  in  the  arching  skies. 

While  ancient  prophets  and  apostles  saw 

The  brooding  Spirit  and  the  reign  of  law. 

Eternal  Wisdom  sways  the  chastening  rod, 

.\nd  love  illumines  all  the  ways  of  God; 

The  whole  creation  o'er  these  pages  move 

III  heights  and  depths  which  God  etenial  prove. 

While  all  the  realms  which  sweep  within  our  ken 

Are  hig  wi^'    '■.te  for  destiny  of  men. 

The  judftiiK       .-bashings  of  His  awful  sword. 

And  wondrous  mercies  of  the  sovereign  Lord. 

In  mighty  sweep  beyond  our  range  of  thought 

Revealings  flash  the  marvels  He  hath  wrought 

The  whole  still  held  aneath  His  guiding  hand. 

With  new  creations  born  at  His  command, 

The  ceaseless  motion  under  His  control 

To  issues  yond  the  knowledge  of  the  soul ; 

Enough !  Enough !  to  challenge  faith  and  love 

And  lowly  bow  before  the  God  above. 


38 


3orra 


Ail  tins  nn.l  ,„oro  tW  sac-ml  puKo.  fill, 

•ro,„AlpuK.|K.,Vf|.rsWi/«nswi,K.n  still, 
In  d.m  porspcTtivo  ...dlcss  glories  rise 

aiusJW__of    hooLs.-t..e    ,ift    of    lu.av'„„ 
A  nohlo  culture  ffivcs  tlu.  l„„„u„  rnce; 

T^  t  r ""?' """ """' ''' ''"  ''•"'•-•''  f""'^- 

lor«|I   oreu.I,fro„,nonetol.ec.oncoak.d, 
ron.^H..,,  supreme,   through  ail    the  hosts  l,e- 

}Vho  walk  in  love,  or  sinful  bondage  know 

i"  7^-  '''--'re-  humble  souls  , nay  find 
jSueh  truths  as  dwarf  the  products  of  ,,,-,,,. 

n  length  and  breadth,  in  iH.ight  and  .leAl,; 

A.   heav,,  oVr  earth  above  our   tlK,ughts\h;- 

And  souls  sincere,  fan.iliar  with  then.,  stan.l 
Onnghcrg^^^^^ 

Aboxe,  below,  which  everywhere  disclose 
The  sovereign  might  and  endless  glories  still 
Of  Hun  whose  wisdom,  love,  and  holy  will 
Are  over  all,-  whose  written,  living  Words 
r'^'J^^^'^T-^^f'- word  affords,- 
^^  hen  He  hnnself  the  Guide  and  Teache    there 
^ow  visions  rise  and  marvels  everywhere 


LM::,s*!y-:- 


3orra 


39 


i  I 


I '"IS  Ivil  aiuj  lau^ht  forLvt-nnore  ihvy  ^row, 
An.l  l„vc  a.|.„vs  tin-  man  of  (J.kI  Huv'know; 
Hill  oft  ,1  M-holar  ow.'s  his  hnrhir  more 
Tlmn  tins  or  that  of  much  .scholastic  lore; 
In  that  of  (Jod,  the  souls  who  there  enroll, 
'I'he  text  of  Truth  their  minds  and  hearts  con- 
trol; 

»iit  in  and  through  and  ever  o'er  them  all 
Far  greater  .still,  as  there  at  instant  call. 
The  ..ver  present  Teacher,  Guide,  and   Friend, 
U  hose  love  and  light  and  leading  never  end. 
>>  ithni  the  oinfmss  of  those  pages  lie 
The  heart  and  .soul  of  all  that  men  may  try  • 
And  richly  dowered  our  lives  may  surely  be,— 
A.id  men  of  sense  in  this  with  me  agreo,-^ 
VVlun  here  we  sit  at  feet  of  n.ighty  men, 
\\  ith  ms.ght  dowered  beyond  mere  earthly  ken. 
lo  Moses  now  we  list   while  he  unfolds 
The  law  which  weal  of  all  the  ages  holds; 
'Mid  changing  «..nders  there  of  earth  and'sky 
lie  leads  us  on,  the  Presence  ever  nigh; 
The  fate  of  nations  then  by  others  taught. 
As,    weighed    in    .scales    of   (iod,    they   comJ    to 

naught : 
Through  David's  harp  celestial  music  hear 
An.l    sense    the    life    that     rules    the    heav'nly 
sphere;  *^ 

Or  at  the  feet  of  him  whose  glory  shone 
O'er  all  the  world,  eclipsing  every  throne, 


40 


^otra 


Whose      wisdom, —  fed      from      out      supernal 

Fount, — 
Drew  Shcba's  queen  to  Zion's  holy  mount; 
Or  "  rapt  Isaiah,"  with  "  seraphic  fire," 
Immanuel's  herald,  touch  the  heav'nly  lyre; 
Or  "  man  beloved,"  who  faced  the  lions'  lair 
In  conq'ring  faith,  so  strong  to  do  and  dare ; 
Il-roic  Paul, —  o'erleaping  racial  lines. 
For  all  the  world  the  gospel  he  defines, 
Revealing  mys'tries  hid  from  ages  old. 
Which  sweep  the  world  and  evermore  unfold; 
Surpassing  heights  and  depths  of  love  divine 
On  page  of  John,  beloved  disciple,  sh'ne. 
And  then  above,  beneath,  around  them  all, 
The  Lord  of  life  before  whose  feet  they  fall ; 
Revealing  Sun,  whose  light  on  every  page 
Doth  brighter  grow  with  every  passing  age ; 
The  central  Glory,  bodying  forth  to  men 
Eternal  depths  beyond  the  angels'  ken. 
There  first  behold  the  heav'ns'  and  earth  arise, 
And  time  unfolding  hoary  grows  and  dies. 
When,  lo !  anew  the  heav'ns  and  earth  appear, — 
A  stainless  earth,  a  newborn,  timeless  sphere ; 
Who  here  sits  learning  finds  beyond  compare 
The  greatest  souls  of  all  the  ages  there, 
While  all  our  powers  of  mind  and  heart  and 
will 

To  greater  strength  by  them  are  quickened  still ; 
And  he  who  there  doth  more  familiar  grow 


3orra 


41 


With    all    the    Author    purposed    men    should 

know, 
Without  the  schools  may  grow  in  every  power, 
With  life  enriched  by  what  they  cannot  dower. 
In  Scottish  life,  the  Book  of  God  enthroned, 
A  stronger  fibre  thus  the  nation  owned; 
With  rev'rent  minds  some  part  they  daily  scan 
And  knowledge  grows  in  ways  of  God  to  man. 
With  quickened  power  the  soul  may  nobly  soar 
Wliile  yet  a  stranger  to  scholastic  lore; 
Essential  virtues  all  may  richly  thrive; 
If  Athens  dead,  yet  Jebus  all  alive. 
The  honest  heart  and  thoughtful  mind  in  yoke. 
Of  those  who  live  and  toil  as  common  folk. 
In  worthy  sense  may  educated  be, 
With  sails  unfurled  on  life's  immortal  sea; 
While   some   who   charm   with  time's   abundant 

stores 
May  strangers  be  to  all  beyond  her  doors. 
Scholastic  souls  in  old  Judaea's  land 
Might  deem  unlearned  the  apostolic  band. 
Yet  these,  like  eagles,  soared  the  earth  above 
And  o'er  its  storms  beheld  unchanging  Love ; 
Beheld  the  Truth,  whose  banner  they  unfurled. 
And  led  the  van  for  freedom  of  the  world ; 
While  those  whose  brows  were  arched  in  shallow 


scorn, — 
Unless    for    these, —  unknown 
born. 


they    e'er    were 


4S 


3otra 


And  Scottish  men,  untrained  in  worldly  lore, 
Do  oft  the  deeps  of  spirit  life  explore ; 
The  works,  the  ways,  the  character  of  God, 
The  paths  to  glory  ancient  worthies  trod. 
His  sovereign  will  and  all  the  laws  He  gave 
To  safely  lead  to  bourne  beyond  the  grave, — 
On  such  high  themes  they  thought  and  spoke  in 

love, 
With  all  their  powers  unit  d  from  above; 
Yet,  judged  alone  by  standard  found  in  schools, 
The  verdict  then, — "  Uneducated   fools  !  " 
The  Book  of  books  their  deepest  needs  revealed, 
Nor  aught  of  worth  to  meet  those  needs  con- 
cealed ; 
Enthroned  o'er  life  supremely  by  their  race, — 
His  "  seek  ye  first  "  their  warrant  for  the  place. 
Yet  other  books,  when  read  aright,  were  stored 
With  endless  footprints  of  creation's  Lord; 
That  these  be  read  and  other  visions  flow 
Of  much  which  men  might  also  need  to  know 
Of  truths  to  help  the  life  that  now  we  live. 
As  each  to  each  we  all  receive  and  give. 
Such  facts  and  drill  as  would  each  one  relate 
To  better  service  for  the  home  and  state, — 
For  this  the  school  was  honored  everywhere. 
And  Scotia's  sons  its  helpful  blessings  share. 
In  forest  clearings  where  our  fathers  toiled 
The  school  and  church  arose  amid  the  wild ; 
They  each  of  logs  by  native  skill  were  made. 


t     1 


»?  -  ^:msgj^:: 


3otra 


43 


Nor  "  blue  print  "  had,  nor  architect  to  aid. 
At  first  unfaced,  nor  proof  against  the  breeze, 
With  corners  bristhng  Hke  chevaux-de-frise. 
But  soon  advanced  beyond  primeval  stage, 
They  felt  the  beck'ning  of  another  age. 
To    please    the    taste,    more    time    and    money 

spared, 
The  logs  arc  faced  and  corners  neatly  squared. 
While  overhead  the  old  time  shifts  arc  fled 
And  shingles  now  the  rains  of  heaven  shed. 
Yet  logs,  though  faced,  they  also  had  their  day, 
For  frame  and  brick  they  vanished  quite  away ; 
And    one    there    was, —  how    dear    the    vision 

still,— 
Not  built  of  brick  like  those  from  modern  kiln. 
But    sun-baked    blocks,    each    re-inforced    with 

straw 
Like  those  which  men  in  Egypt's  bondage  saw, 
While  rough-cast  plaster  formed  its  coat  of  mail 
To  save  its  life  whenever  storms  assail. 
Along  each  side  of  this  scholastic  hall. 
From  end  to  end,  one  desk  was  there  for  all ; 
And  two  long  rows  of  scholars  worked  away 
When  not  engaged  in  mischief  or  in  play ; 
With  faces  wallward,  oft,  when  unaware 
Behind  them  stood  the  master  watching  there : 
Yet  spite  the  risks  and  dangers  lurking  round, 
For  many  pranks  a  favored  time  was  found. 
In  middle  space  were  benches  ranged  along 


44) 


3orra 


For  other  workers  of  the  swarming  throng; 
The  great  box  stove  in  centre  of  the  field 
With  florid  face  its  radiant  blessings  yield; 
The  master's  desk  o'erlooks  the  whole  domain; 
In  front,  a  space  where  all  the  classes  train ; 
Upon  1  '.s  left  you  see  the  blackboard  stand, 
Where  many  a  wight  doth  hors  de  combat  land. 
In  later  days  upon  the  wall  behind 
Were  rolling  maps, —  the  wonder  of  our  kind ; 
A  tiny  one,  apart  from  all  the  rest, 
Revealed  the  land  with  milk  and  honey  blest; 
Through  frequent  drills  the  land  familiar  grew. 
And  ever  -unco  the  Book  we  better  knew. 
From  a'  ciie  airts  the  summoned  scholars  move. 
Their  work  to  show  and  each  their  metal  prove ; 
The  gath'ring  host, —  in  innocence,  of  course, — 
Of  din  and  chaos  oft  the  fruitful  source. 
A  shorter  route  one  takes  to  reach  the  field, 
A  bencli  upset, —  the  "  tars  "  its  blessings  yield; 
In  semi-circle  round  the  space  they  stand 
Where  numbers   such  that   they  the  whole  de- 
mand. 
From  "  head  "  to  "  tail  »  the  int'rest  ebbs  and 

flows. 
And    tails    to    heads, —  queer    changes    fortune 

knows ; 
This  hope  aroused,  it  quickened  sluggish  pow- 


ers. 


3orra 


45 


waste    it    saved    some    golden 


i 


And    oft    from 
hours ; 

When  thus  we  strive,  our  wits,  they  keen  may 
grow, 

But  something  better  we  than  wits  should  show : 
The  deil  himsel',—  we  a'  know  this  sac  wccl,— 
Outwitted  man  and  yet  remains  the  deil ; 
Wi'  a'  oor  wits,  like  him  we  still  may  be 
Unless  wi'  right  om  moral  powers  agree; 
And  a'  that's  moral,—  worthy  thus  to  name,— 
In  God  must  find  its  everlasting  hame. 
Not  much  the  heed  they  then  to  grading  pay. 
Nor  wide  the  range  o'er  which  we  may  assay '; 
In  sturdy  bouts  they  grappled  with  the  few", 
And  struggling  thus,  their  mental  stature  grew. 
If  any  there  with  greater  power  was  blest 
A  race  to  run  than  some  among  the  rest. 
The  freedom  theirs  to  speed  along  their  way 
With  winged  heels,  while  others  droned  away. 
Apart  from  reading  lessons,  one  to  five. 
The  graded  system  scarce  was  kept  alive ; 
Sporadic  classes  here  and  there  were  found 
In  common  warfare  for  scholastic  ground, 
While  o'er  the  field  you  saw  on  every  hand ' 
The  march  of  this  or  that  guerilla  band. 
And  lances  free  were  riding  everywhere. 
Assailing  foes  in  tilt  and  tourney  there! 
From  A.B.C.  ad  infinitum  grew, — 


I 


46 


3orra 


liy  nature's  law,  for  other  scarce  they  knew, — 
The  place  of  those  who,  social  or  alone, 
Their  battles  fought  until  the  day  was  done. 
The    figure    changed, —  while    some    may    run 

abreast, 
You  others  find  apart  from  all  the  rest. 
The  reason  why,  their  age  or  powers  explain. 
As  fast  or  slow  they  move  the  goal  to  gain : 
A  larger  freedom  some  by  this  enjoy, 
Peculiar  gifts  unhindered  to  employ. 
If  more  of  need  from  this  the  master  knows 
To  watch  o'er  each  and  aid  when  needs  arose, 
To  better  issues  closer  knowledge  leads, 
Wiich    dower    his    pains    with    soul    enriching 

meeds. 
Within  their  lives  ho  comes  from  hour  to  hour 
To  help  them  grow  to  larger  mental  power, 
Yet  better  far  than  all  that  thus  is  gained 
When  each  young  life  in  moral  ways  is  trained. 
Bv  what  he  is,  the  master  helps  to  mold 
Those  plastic  hearts  to  good  or  ill  untold; 
His  word  and  deed,  if  worthy  man  he  be, 
To  moral  ends  will  shape  their  destiny; 
Of  greater  moment  this  than  if  he  led 
To  heights  of  lore  while  moral  worth  had  fled. 
He  hears  their  plaints,  their  problems  helps  to 

solve, 
And  moral  worth  these  issues  oft  involve ; 
Scholastic  work, —  if  this  alone  his  goal, — 


3orra 


4>7 


'Twere  better  missed  than  risk  a  healthy  soul. 
If    smarter    rogues    from    out    our    schools    be 

turned, 
'Twere  better  far  such  breeders  all  were  burned  ; 
A  nation's  strength  in  moral  worth  abides; 
And  this  unfostered,  woe  its  life  betides. 

For  reasons  many, —  none  will  disagree, 

Some  schools  and  scholars  sorer  trials  be ; 
Perhaps  more  restive  'neath  a  tyrant's  word. 
Where  passion  rules  and  reason  is  ignored. 
We     see,— when     viewed     the     great     historic 

page,— 

That  social  customs  change  from  age  to  age ; 
Some  times  and  peoples  here  and  there  we  find 
With  harsher  mood  than  shown  by  other  kind. 
As  thus  with  them,  so  may  it  also  be 
That  masters  likewise  differ  in  degree; 
Through  fear  alone  doth  one  uncertain  reign, 
While  willing  hearts  another's  love  may  gain.' 
The  one,  in  mood  survives  the  harsher  past ; 
From  better  mold  the  other  now  is  cast; 
Yet  every  age  and  master  still  may  need 
That  children  know  the  rod  may  be  decreed. 
Essential  nature  still  for  all  our  race, 
Alike  to  that  of  Sol'mon's  day  and  place; 
His  wisdom  stands  as  part  of  holy  Writ 
That  now  as  th.en  the  rod  a  child  may  fit. 

Yet  true  it  is, —  the  cause  I  leave  to  you, 

That  old  time  schools  the  rod  more  largely  knew ; 


! 


48 


3orta 


Till'  "  tars  "  we  felt  there  found  an  honored 

place, 
Tliougli  "birch"  was  used  if  rarely  bad  the 

case. 
liy  nature  some  were  less  endowed  to  rule 
And  prized  the  more  the  use  of  the  ferule ; 
Yet  e'en  at  best  a  puzzlinij  problem  'twas 
The  ways  and  means  to  plant  respect  for  laws. 
Such  problems  end  when  o'er  the  life  within 
The  love  of  right  prevails  o'er  love  of  sin ; 
Yet  greater  then  the  master's  own  offence, 
When  passion  broke  the  law  of  common  sense. 
Whatc'er  the  guilt  in  older  years  may  be, 
When  penal  fruits  for  broken  laws  you  see, 
In  lads  and  lassies  oft  the  bubbling  o'er 
Of  fountains  filled  with  life's  o'erflowing  store; 
If  now  and  then  the  letter  they  offend, 
Not  theirs  the  guilt  of  such  as  may  intend; 
And  higher  laws  you  sec  in  fragments  there 
If  penal  issues  both  alike  may  share, 
fiut  true  it  was,  if  weak  the  master  found. 
Those  young  barbarians  were  volcanic  ground; 
Yet  when  they  learned  his  firm  and  righteous 

sway, 
Who  kindly  walked,  they  freely  him  obey. 
Rebellious  fires,  unfed,  soon  pale  and  die. 
And  worthy  conduct  issues  by  and  bv. 
One  worthy  master,  skilled  in  ways  and  means, 


1/     ) 

r 


3otra 


49 


Brought  shumc  to  bear  upon  unruly  weans; 
Across  his  knees  the  boys  and  girls  ho  placed 
And  then, —  you  know  what  then  and  there  they 

faced ; 
Yea,  even  now,  across  the  far  off  years. 
The  scene  beheld  provokes  to  mirthful  tears. 
If  now  their  coats  too  much  a  buffer  made, 
Then  some  were  peeled  that  so,  when  less  ar- 
rayed, 
The  proper  ratio  might  maintained  be 
'Twixt  boy  and  girl  in  righteous  penalty. 
And  then  again, —  for  fertile  was  his  mind, 

The  harsh  to  shun,  to  kinder  means  inclined, 

Unruly  boys  in  pairs  on  benches  kneel. 
While  shame  and  humor  mingled  there  they  feel ; 
On  all  their  fours,  with  head  to  head  they  wait,' 
Like  charging  bulls  their  rising  wrath  to  sate. 
The  grinning  school  looks  on  in  laughing  glee. 
With  mouths  agape  for  what  was  yet  to  be ; 
On  each  alternate  now  the  master  lands 
Some   well   placed   spanks,— he   uses    both   his 
hands. 

With  each  impression  made  upon  the  seat, 
Like  butting  rams  their  heads  together  meet; 
From  end  to  end  those  strange  gymnastics  go, 
While  tears  and  smiles  alternate  ebb  and  flow. 
With  humor  mingled,  soon  the  pain  is  o'er; 
And  each  avows  one  such  enough  and  more. 


50 


3orra 


The  lioarty  huls  urul  lassies,  fried  from  school, 
lliboijiul  in  (r\vv  whi'ii  ^oni"  sclioliistic  rule; 
With  fun  Hnd  frolic  iiiiike  the  welkin  ring; 
And   sometimes   fought  as   well   as   danced   the 

fling. 
When  winter  blasts  in  stormy  vigor  blew 
The  indoor  sports  they  then  more  largely  knew; 
Vet  chaos  oft  a  sweeping  entrance  gains, 
And  order  flees  when  he  assumes  the  reins. 
O'er  desks  and  benches  flowed  the  turmoiled  din, 
The  storm  without  o'' rtopped  by  that  within; 
A  wonder  'twas  how  tiny  tots  were  spared 
While  older  ones  so  roughly  surged  and  blared. 
Not  always  thus  the  noontide  hour  was  spent 
As  winter  days  in  long  succession  went ; 
Some  other  fun  may  tempt  awhile  indoor 
And  eight  hand  reel  did  often  hold  the  floor. 
In  many  ways  they  thus  instinctive  own 
Their  mutual  pleasure  when  together  thrown. 
Vet  through  the  year,  as  seasons  wax  and  wane, 
From  common  sports  they  largely  there  refrain. 
The  lassies,  then,  this  laddie  will  forgic 
If  lassies'  plays  now  unremembered  bo; 
The  rough  and  tumble  anes  which  laddies  share 
His  mem'ry  fills  wi'  a'  their  noisy  blare. 
'Mong  outdoor  games   then   played  vith  eager 

zest. 
For  many  months  'twas  ba      ball  led  the  rest. 
Two  lads  for  sides  a  bat  between  them  throw, — 


3orra 


51 


Three  times  at  most  it  passes  to  and  fro, — 

And  he  who  twice,  when  htind  o'er  fist  they  rise, 

Has  final  liohl,  he  leads  the  great  empri/e. 

As  then  'twas  played,  not  hard  the  balls  we  used. 

Vet  fine  the  sport  o'er  which  we  all  enthused ; 

We  bat  and  catch  and  scamper  o'er  the  field, 

Nor  such  a  din  of  old  could  Babel  yield. 

In  myriad  movements  all  our  nmscles  played. 

As  "  outs  "  and  "  ins  "  for  vic'try  there  essayed  ; 

And  woe  betide  the  wight  who  disobeys 

The  rules  of  right  to  win  some  transient  bays, — 

The  howling  mob  which  such  a  prank  provokes 

Would  shame  old  Bashan,  she  of  bulls  and  oaks. 

It  falls  and  rises  like  a  roaring  sea. 

But  soon  recedes  and  naught  is  left  but  glee. 

'Twas  good  for  bodies, —  yes,  gynnastic  rare, — 

While  mind  and  morals  also  got  their  share. 

If  less  the  skill,  yet  greater  danger  lay 

For  those  who  might  the  game  of  shinny  play. 

In  action, —  earnest,  watchful,  and  intense. 

No  place  or  time  for  dawdling  or  pretence; 

From  start  to  finish  forces  battled  there 

As  if  a  case  of  life  and  death  it  were. 

That  ball  to  goal  at  either  end  must  go 

And  quick  the  tides  of  battle  ebb  and  flow ; 

Our   clubs   we   swing,   but   ere  they    reach   the 

ground. 
Some  other  club  that  pesky  sphere  has  found; 


58 


3orra 


In  clustered  action  sec  thvv  r«iu  -ontcnd, 
While  others  watch  to     lip  lo  .itier  end. 
From  such  nielee,  when  Vii-'l  t^r„,„  the  line, 
Not  nil  unscathed,— hut    '.n     iu   ;un  was  fine! 
Full  eager  now  a  telling  st.  .ke  n     mke 
And  send  it  spinnini!,'  on  t(   .  iMi  i  >i  ike, 
Impulsive,  ardent,  thoughrle.     .,;  , 
Or,  over  tempted,  fully  en        oi.. 
Hut  this,  or  that,  across  the    iiie  h.   ir(  ,  ^ 
To  strike  a  blow  with  vanta   ■   o'er  In     ,   .  s : 
TJien  "shinny  on  your  owi    side!"  bn  aks  the 
spell 

And  right  prevfuls  when  ht  ,ird  that  lusty  yell ; 
Now  back  he  jumps  with  all  his  might  and  main 
But   carries   with  him  shins   which   smart   with 

pain , 
Some  knocks  received  in  rough  and  tumble  plav 
May  often  prove  a  more  effective  way 
To  fix  respect  for  what  is  right  and  true 
Than  aught  some  careless  sinners  ever  knew. 
Amid  the  endless  ways  which  scholars  know 
To  body  forth  their  joy  in  life  below, 
Some  mair  j'  them,  for  sake  o'  auld  lang  syne, 
My  trusty  fiere,  may  I  noo  bring  tae  min'. 
A  stone  of  goodly  size  upon  its  back 
A  smaller  bears,—  you  soon  will  hear  it  quack. 
Our  stones,  they  fly  at  that  devoted  duck 
Until  dislodged  by  cither  skill  or  luck. 
'Tis  spiced  by  danger  while  the  contest  grows; 


l^orra 


6d 


The  fun  extracted, —  only  goodness  knows! 
Then  marbles, —  bought,  or  sometimes  made  of 

clay. 
Or  pebbles  oft, — the  lads  and  lassies  pliiy. 
Strange  games  th.-y  knew,  and  all  their  facile 

skill 
By  practise  won,  a  source  of  wonder  still. 
Now  off  they  chase  the  neighboring  woods   to 

scour. 
Perchance  for  nuts,  although  they  may  be  sour; 
If  butternuts,  their  hands  may  bear  a  stain 
Which  frantic  efforts  fail  to  clean  again; 
Those  tell  tale  spots  may  penal  issues  bear 
And  nutting  joys  not  then  may  seem  so  fair. 
They  slyly  try  those  wretched  palms  to  hide. 
Since  spite  o'  scraping  yet  the  stains  abide ; 
Macbeth's  poor  lady  not  alone  to  find 
The  deed  performed,  the  guilt  remains  behind. 

A  field  of  grain  along  the  timber  lay 
Hard  by  our  school  across  tho  public  way, 
And  clustered  stacks  in  season  duly  stood. 
The  joy  of  "  squrls  "  from  out  the  leafy  wood. 
This  cereal  world,  the  squirrels  that  first  per- 
ceive 
Unselfish  were,  'twould  other  squirrels   relieve; 
The  word  they  passed  to  others  of  their  kind 
And  each  sat  up  to  list  the  wondrous  find. 
Or  this,  or  else,  Columbus-like  of  old. 


J 


54 


^orra 


U 


From  far  and  near  across  the  pathless  wold 
By  instinct  led,  or  knowledge  yond  our  ken, 
They  gather  there  to  thrive  on  toil  of  men. 
Where   peace   and   plenty   here   on   earth   are 

found 
The  tribes  increase,  their  progeny  abound ; 
Like  Midian's  host  their  numbers  multiply 
And,  venging  Gideons,  there  the  youngsters  hie ; 
That  such  high  purpose  theirs  not  mine  to  say, 
When  noontide  comes,  they  gird  them  for  the 

fray. 

No  thought,  perhaps,  to  any  owlish  saws 
They  ever  give,  nor  care  'bout  nature's  laws ; 
Enough  for  them  the  chance  for  sport  was  good, 
And    hunting    instincts    stirred    the    youthful 

blood ; 
Nor  care  if,  Nimrod  like,  "  before  the  Lord," 
Or  «  mighty  hunters,"—  if  it  fun  afford. 
A  tree  or  two  apart  from  all  the  rest 
Increased  the  sport  and  gave  it  added  zest ; 
Some  flee  to  them  in  hour  of  direst  need 
And  find  too  late  their  doom  is  sealed  indeed. 
Now  on  they  charge,— that  young  barbarian 

brood, — 
And  squirrels  haste  for  refuge  to  the  wood. 
The  forest  gained,  from  tree  to  tree  they  fly. 
Where  now  in  turn  they  chatter,  mock,  defy  ] 
The  trees  apart  some  others  haste  to  climb,  ' 
Whose  leafy  coverts  screen  them  for  a  time; 


I 

1/    t' 


I 


^V 


3otra 


55 


A  little  while  in  safety  they  repose 

Above  the  reach  of  their  pursuing  foes. 

Like  those  escaped,  they  likewise  now  may  show 

A  mocking  scorn  for  all  their  foes  below. 

Their    triumph    brief;    soon    breaks    the    fatal 

storm, 
And  in  its  wake  lies  man}'  a  lifeless  form. 
A  martial  council  'neath  them  now  they  see. 
And  when  'tis  o'er,  a  boy  ascends  the  tree; 
The  others  ranged  around  do  grimly  wait 
To  see  that  death  is  every  squirrel's  fate; 
From  many  throats  the  gleeful  war  whoops  rise 
As  boy  and  squirrels  mount  upward  tow'rd  the 

skies. 
At  length  they  leap  and  sail  to  earth  away 
For  life  or  death  to  meet  the  dread  array; 
'Tis  hit  or  miss ;  if  hit,  then  all  is  o'er, — 
His  race  is  run,  he  falls  to  rise  no  more; 
Whom  fortune  favors  with  such  flying  hit, 
The  boys  acclaim  and  envy  just  a  bit. 
Yet  here  and  there  a  squirrel  dashes  through, 
With  timber  near  and  liberty  in  view ; 
Athwart  his  course  a  fence  doth  lie  between. 
And  yond  the  fence  some  waiting  foes  are  seen ; 
Then  back  and  forth  he  speeds  along  the  rails 
For  freedom's  sake, —  alas  !  it  often  fails ; 
Head  on  collisions,  dealing  death,  and  then 
Post  mortem  shouts,  they  rend  the  air  again. 
Yet  spite  of  all,  some  break  the  hostile  lines 


56 


5orra 


t» 


'  i 


And  soon  are  safe  within  the  wood's  confines. 
'Mid  frantic  cries  and  antics  all  insane 
The  tides  of  battle  there  do  wax  and  wane. 
Through  all  their  madness  much  of  method  runs, 
Those  savage,  shouting,  sanguinary  Huns. 
'Twas  wrong,  of  course,  for  squirrels  thus  to 

sack, 
And  right  for  boys  to  thus  defend  the  stack; 
But  what  a  godsend  that  the  stack  was  there. 
And  squirrels  came  to  get  their  daily  fare! 
At  other  times  the  woods  they  echo  round 
While  deadly  notes  are  absent  from  the  sound ; 
From  solar  strength  we  seek  its  shady  bowers 
To  while  away  some  care  free,  happy  hours. 
'Neath  spreading  beech  or  other  tree  we  sat. 
Or  'mong  their  branches  monkey-like  we  chat. 
If  there  we  lunch,  full  soon  the  same  is  o'er, 
That  time  for  sport  be  ours  in  richer  store, 
For  who  could  linger  while  the  beck'ning  wild 
Is  luring  each  to  play  as  nature's  child.? 
The  courses  few,— no  course  at  all  for  some; 
Ere  reaching  school,  of  lunch  not  left  a  crumb! 
The  lads  and  lassies  now  divided  go, 
Absorbed  in  sports  which  each  Deculiar  know; 
And  then  again  in  mutual  pastimto  aieet. 
While   time   too   soon  doth   speed   with  winged 
feet. 

The  lads,  for  steeds,  may  springy  saplings  bend. 


f 


!)i' 


llotra 


67 


And   vaulting  these,   o'er  all   the   world  they 

wend ; 
While  others  limbs  of  two  adjacent  trees 
For  swings  m^.y  bind, —  no  finer  'tween  the  seas. 
The  lads  instinctive  show  their  trend  of  soul, 
For  right  of  way  the  lassies  there  control ; 
With  merry  shouts  they  now  a  sailing  go 
And  brief  the  voyage  some  perforce  may  know. 
But  soon  these  forest  echoes  die  away 
As  off  they  haste  to  work  as  well  as  play. 

To  slake  our  thirst,  a  common  cup  and  pail 
We  crowd  around  and  pantingly  assail; 
A  neighbor's  well  the  liquid  need  supplies. 
And  o'er  the  road  that  pail  it  often  hies. 
When  left  the  we^',  it  then  may  overflow; 
Yet  ere  it  comes,  full  half  the  road  may  know. 
'Tis  sometimes  passed,  if  special  need  be  found. 
With  content  gone  ere  yet  it  makes  the  round. 
No    thought    of    germs    disturbs    their    placid 

souls ; 
The   absent   thought,   perhaps,   the   germ   con- 
trols. 
If  more  one  dips  than  needs  may  justify. 
Why  —  back     it     goes!     So     much     is     saved 

thereby ! 
Throughout  the  day  uplifted  hands  you  see 
For  leave  to  drink,  from  those  who  thirsty  be ; 


I    ? 


M! 


58 


3orra 


» » 


I'    / 


Yet  now  and  then  the  master  well  may  know 
No  real  need  with  such  request  may  go; 
Some  prankish  whim  the  scholar  has  in  view 
And  this  a  means  the  same  to  carry  through. 
Though  such  denied,  again  he  grants  the  prayer, 
In  easy  mood  if  any  doubt  be  there. 
And   strange  the  knowledge  children  oft  may 

gain 
Of  this  and  that  within  another's  brain ; 
On  this  they  play  with  intuition  keen 
And  blandly  wait  for  issues  clearly  seen. 

'Mid  all  the  groundless  notions  men  believe, 

The  one  'bout  Adam  and  his  consort.  Eve, 

That  'twas  an  apple  had  the  tempting  power 
To  lure  from  right  in  that  untoward  hour, — 
Though  naught  there  is  for  this  in  holy  Writ, 
To  give  it  up,  some  souls  would  have  a  fit. 
But,  this  aside,  the  fact  remains  behind 
That  apples  lure  with  ease  the  youthful  mind; 
At  least  they  did  the  laddies  whom  I  knew, 
And,— 'tween  us  both,— the  same  may  still  be 
true; 

As  hard  a  fate  as  have  no  fun  with  snow 
P'or  boys  to  live  where  apples  never  grow. 

Along  the  road  some  orchard  trees  they  spot, 

If  left  alone  the  fruit  may  fall  and  rot,— 
Yes,  sad  to  say,  of  some  forbidden  trees, — 


3otra 


S9 


Though  wattled   round  by   brush   chevaux-de- 

frise, — 
We  fruit  secure  with  stealth  and  risk  of  pain, 
And  then  with  glee  go  munching  on  again. 
Our  bulging  bosoms  now  we  watch  with  care 
Lest  trouble  rise  should  master  find  them  there ; 
Not  rightly  made  the  world,  we  all  agree, 
When  pleasure's  paths  so  rudely  crossed  must 

be, 

Nor  ours  as  yet  to  know  how  sinful  fools 
For  small  reward  do  trample  moral  rules, 
Who  work  and  fear  and  penal  issues  dare 
When  honest  toil  would  bring  a  better  share. 
In  generous  mood,  to  "  bites  "  we  others  treat, 
While  apples  pass  in  stealth  along  the  seat. 
Our  "  best  laid  schemes,"—  oh  well,  you  know 

the  rest; 
If  ill  they  be, —  not  worth  the  cost  at  best. 

Each  season  comes  with  joys  no  others  share, 
To  make  the  life  of  all  more  rich  and  rare; 
How   much   they   miss,— those  children  of  the 

world 
Who  never  see  our  seasons'  flags  unfurled. 
When  winter  conies  thoy  lightly  skip  along, 
A  rosy,  noisy,  playful,  happy  throng; 
Each  icy  pool  they  meet  along  the  way, 
Though  minus  sVa^es,  to  slide  awhile  they  stay. 


)  i 


60 


3orra 


M^ 


When  homeward  bound,  with  school  repression 
o'er, 

And  time  to  spend  more  largely  now  in  store, 
They  longer  wait  on  every  glassy  pool 
In  merry  sport,— a   rare  gymnastic  school. 
When  comes  a  thaw,  or  when  some  moisture  falls 
And  Jack  returns  to  tread  again  his  halls. 
On  crusted  snow  we  skip  where'er  we  please 
O'er  frozen  waves  of  white  be-crystalled  seas. 
Full  high  those  waves  between  the  fences  rise 
And  known   to  hide   !    oir  "  riders  "   from   our 

eyes. 
Hilarious  sport  for  bathers  on  the  shore 
When    breakers    whelm    with    loud,    resounding 

roar; 

Those  snowy  breakers  each  in  silence  wait, 
Impassive  stoics,  careless  what  their  fate. 
O'er  glist'ning  crests,  as  each  may  freely  will. 
We  tumbling  go  while  they  are  docile  still ; 
And  then  beneath  we  dive  and  bore  our  way 
Like  moudieworts,  though  whiter  our  array. 
With  nature  thus  in  free,  impulsive  mood  ' 
To  sport  and  play  may  bring  a  larger  good 
Than  those  conventions  which  in  older  years 
We  costly  serve,  mayhap  with  vexing  tears. 
As  some  uncertain  captive  from  the  t  ild. 
Not  fully  tamed,  yet  sportive,  bland,  and  mild. 
To  our  surprise,  in  some  unguarded  hour, 
The  will  to  hurt  he  shows  a  dormant  power. 


-sm^mt.^t''ri^j^twm 


1»orta 


61 


For  many  a  frolic  thus  we  trust  tht-  snow 
And  guerdon  find  in  cheeks  with  ruddy  glow ; 
He   freely  joins  our  unsuspecting  play, 
When,  lo!  he  bites!  that  portion  faints  away. 
When  fully  armed  and  we  as  masters  reign, 
He  faithful  series  within  his  bluff  domain. 
One  way  in  chief  by  which  he  helps  to  swell 
The  flow  of  fun  in  youthful  hearts  that  well, 
Himself  in  balls  he  freely  lets  them  roll. 
Or  large,  or  small,  as  purpose  may  control; 
And  if  his  mood  a  frosty  one  yon  find. 
To  scoop  with  hands  delights  his  en.  ny  mind ; 
Well  pleased  is  he  to  have  them  hurl  him  round. 
While  lads  and  lassies  flee  with  skirling  sound; 
Or  when,  mayhap,  a  melting  mood  he  shows. 
To  balls  or  men  of  giant  size  he  grows. 
When  thus  with  ease  the  snow  may  molded  he, 
In  battles  then  the  scholars  oft  you  see : 
Now  balls  in  duel,  then  in  skirmish,  fly; 
And  then  a  pitched  engagement  all  may  try,— 
The  slogan  shouts  of  battling  hosts  afield 
Enough  to  make  the  fainter  hearted  vield 
The  bullets  fly  as  fast  as  hands  can  mold. 
And  oft  with  water  harder  made,  I'm  told. 
If  battles  won,  or  drawn,  when  hour  is  o'er, 
Or  both  should  quit  when  tired  and  wet  galore. 
With  mingling  voices  each  their  tales  relate 
Of  skill  and  prowess  fr-od  from  anv  hate; 
To  wounded  heroes  all  now  brothers  be. 


i 


est 


3otra 


I)   I 


'f 


'I 


With  praise  for  each,  for  all  their  sympathy. 
Such  outdoor  play  refreshed  the  weary  soil 
And  made  more  fruitful  hours  of  indoor  toil. 

The  fields  which  then  they  learned  to  cultivate 
In  number  few  compared  to  later  date ; 
Yet,  even  so,  when  worked  with  patient  care, 
Fine  harvests  gave,  if  fruits  less  varied  were ; 
Intensive  work  in  equal  measure  may 
Reward  our  toil  and  leave  more  time  for  play. 
The  object  sought,— to  discipline  the  mind, 
To  lead  it  out,  its  latent  power  to  find; 
More  fully  this  by  few  achieved  may  be, 
Though  modern  haste  may  not  with  this  agree. 

The  plastic  mind  among  the  few  may  stand 
In  sceptred  freedom,  looking  o'er  the  land; 
While  'mong  the  many  swooping  from  afar, 
A  slave  may  lie  unfit  for  mental  war. 
Why  range  the  world  to  whelm  the  youthful  soul 
With    doubtful    stores    and    weaker   leave    the 

whole? 
Our  primal  parents  this  in  Eden  tried. 
Their  knowledge  grew ;  in  vital  power  they  died ; 
And  knowledge  gained  by  youth  a  hundred  fo'  i 
Is  dearly  bought  if  lost  the  power  to  mold. 
Torrential  rains  may  o'er  the  surface  flow 
And  leave  behind  but  ruin  where  they  go, 
While  gentle  showers,  refreshing  as  they  fall, 


3otra  63 

Responsive  blessings  bring  for  good  of  all; 
The  latter,  more  the  work  of  early  days ; 
The  former,  much  of  later  work,  portrays. 

The  life  within,—  how  vast  its  numbers  run, 
Eclipsing  all  we  sec  beneath  the  sun ; 
For  one  expression  which  we  conscious  note 
Are  myriad  others,  strange,  unknown,  remote; 
This  inner  self  not  yet  by  us  explored ; 
Its  deeps  unknown,  known  only  by  the  Lord; 
A  wayeless  sea,  now  calm  ancath  the  skies, 
No  rippling  motion  on  the  surface  lies ; 
You  look  again,—  it  rolls  in  gentle  waves, 
All  mildly  breaking  o'er  the  shores  it  laves  • 
Once  more,-  with  heaving  fury,  to.npest  tossed, 
It  works  its  tragic  will  and  much  is  lost. 
The  secret  powers  ancath  each  conscious  soul. 
For  good  or  ill  may  o'er  its  surface  roll ; 
Our  hidden  life,  it  comes  within  the  ken 
Of  other  souls  by  word,  or  deed,  or  pen. 
Thus  chiefly  comes,  and  like  the  deep  should  be. 
The  outer  forms  which  all  beholders  see; 
Not  always  thus,  for  surface  movements  rise. 
With  deeps  unlike  the  fori.is  before  our  eyes. 
Mysterious  powf.rs  may  so  impress  their  will 
That  outer  known,-  -  unknown  the  inner  stiU. 
Expression  now  less  worthy  may  appear 
Than  might  be  hoped,  were  hidden  movements 
clear ; 


64 


3orra 


I'' 
'I 


'!■ 


While  life  beheld  may  channing  forms  reveal, 

Yet  that  unseen  the  sinister  conceal. 

One  fails  the  inner  worth  to  justly  show; 

Another  fair  above,  but  foul  below. 

When  all  within  a  unit  shall  arise, 

Then  all  is  woe,  or  all  is  paradise. 

Our  worthy  masters  faithfully  incline. 

By  precept  now  and  by  example  fine. 

To  so  direct  each  factor  of  the  soul 

That  they  unite  its  issues  to  control ; 

Not  that  alone  by  which  pure  truth  we  see, 

W^e  this  might  have  and  still  satanic  be; 
Our  other  powers  which  lead  to  good  or  ill 
As  right  or  wrong  we  each  may  feel  r-  will, — 
They  also  seek  for  righteous  ends  to  guide. 
That  truth  integral  nu'ght  in  each  abide. 
In  goodly  measure  thus  they  helped  to  form 
Harmonious  souls  to  face  each  coming  storm. 
More  beauty  far  doth  reign  the  lire  within 
Than  finds  expression  now  in  world  of  sin; 
Its  lambent  rays  on  human  faces  shine 
And  give  an  inkling  of  the  Source  divine. 
You  feel  its  force  in  silence  as  you  stand 
Before  the  pure  in  heart  of  any  land ; 
Its  voiceless  power,  still  fed  from  founts  of  love. 
Doth  gently  lure  to  better  things  above. 
By  look,  or  voice,  or  deed,  or  page,  we  know 
From  soul  to  soul  the  inner  forces  flow. 
The  issues  now  in  life's  fair  temples  rise, 


VI 


'  I 


fV 


?orra 


65 


With  strength  and  beauty  graced  before  our 
eyes; 

Or  if  to  ill  our  souls  response  agree, 
U  hat  then  we  rear  way  deathful  dungeons  be. 
VV.th  beauteous  forms  the  life  should  ever  shine. 
And  every  soul  to  crystal  words  incline; 
^\  lion   pure   the  heart   and   clear   the   working 
mind,  * 

The  fruits  of  will  with  these  agree  in  kind; 
And  fair  ,t  is,  when  words  the  mind  engage 
Ihrough  eye  or  ear,  by  speech  or  pen  or  pago. 
1  o  have  them  still  in  simple  forms  appear. 
The  outward  tokens  that  their  source  L  dear. 
Ihe  Book   of  books,   with   heights  and   depths 
eterne,  * 

Ueveals  the  truth  that  even  bHiKvs  may  learn; 
Along  their  shores  ifs  lin.p.d  waters  u'.ve, 

A  source  of  joy  to  those  who  there  may  lave; 

While  nee.  s  an,    creatures,  as  they  higher  rise 

Through  al    the  heights  above  the  arching  ski  s! 

Do  ever  hnd  the  means  His  ends  to  gairf  ' 

The  faultless  product  of  perfection's  reign; 

And  over  all,  from  depths  to  heights  above. 

The  ageless,  changeless  legend,  "  God  is  love." 

To  single  hearts  th'  et.rnal  Heart  is  near, 

'    chTr!   ^"'''   *^''   '°"'''   "^   '*'"'^^   ""^ 
While^minds  unwarped  with  growing  clearness 


ce 


?orta 


Tlmt  "  God  in  light,"—  the  Sun  of  all  is  he. 
In  light  ftnd  love  to  all  thut  in  crtato, 
Whose  upward  /^lante  expressed  their  high  es- 
tate, 
The  heart  and  mind  ett-rnal  so  revealed 
The   living  way   that   naught   its   course   con- 
cealed ; 
And  more  like  Him  we  each  to  other  stand 
If  life's  expression  limpid  forms  command; 
Upon  each  face  and  (kcd  there  plays  the  glow 
Of  kindly  hearts  if  they  but  Imii  below. 
The  simple  language, —  known  in  every  clime, 
My  man  and  beast  through  all  uiifolding  time, — 
And  minds,  like  hearts,  such  clarity  should  use 
And  godlike  be,  or  else  bedimmed  tin  ir  views. 
Our  Saxon  tongue  would  richly  meet  our  need, 
Though  oft  unused  the  wonls  of  foreign  breed; 
Their  strength  and  beauty  every  pilgrim  knows 
Who  o'er  the  rond  with  Bunyan's  Christian  goes. 
Or  reads  his  Bible,  where  in  simple  speech 
The  Truth  eternal  comes  within  our  reach. 
And  he  who  would  our  English  undefiled. 
With  wanton  hands,  make  strange,  uncouth,  and 

wild, — 
Fit  rival  is  of  him  in  Vandal  war 
Whose  ruthless  soul  doth  beauty  scorn  and  mar, 
Of  him  who  would  our  fields  and  grassy  meads 
To  jungles  turn  with  all  unsightly  weeds, 
Or  change  the  scenic  highways  of  the  world 


(i 


?orra 


67 


To    tangled    brukt-i   where   men    on    fours    arc 

hurled, 
With  thorny  shrubs  would  fill  each  landsmpe 

o'er 

Through  which  with  risk  our  pathways  we  must 

bore, 
Each  lingual  parent  heartless  s»>nt  to  die, 
All  plunged  in  Lethe,—  gone  without  a  sigli. 
The  outward  form  the  inner  life  should  gf.itc. 
Nor  yet  deceive,  nor  yet  be  out  of  place ; 
A  sluggard's  field  the  latter  but  n  veals, 
Where  careless  growths  a  fitter  growth  conceal. 
As  well  expect  surh  skill  in  use  of  brusii 
As  spreads  o'er  souls  a  quiet  and  reverent  hush. 
On  canvas  gazing ;  or  the  sculptor's  power. 
Which  gives  to  stone  its  'trancing,  magic  dower 
Of  beauty,  while  the  work  of  primal  years, — 
With   plodding  filled,   baptized,   mayhap,   with 

tears, — 
Has  been  but  fiction, —  all  a  baseless  dream. 
Yet  product  perfect ;  well  we  thus  might  deem, 
As  that  the  verbal  beauties  of  our  speech 
In  all  their  chann  be  bodied  forth  by  each 
Without  the  power  to  sec  with  inner  light 
And  inner  visions  give  to  outward  sight. 
Which  aye  in  each  by  varied  means  must  be 
Still  wrought  within  as  these  with  each  agree. 
A  well  born  child, —  if  we  its  beauty  mar. 
Its  form  contort,  or  place  a  facial  scar, — 


wmmm. 


Uf 


Hi 


68 


3orra 


'f 


For  pity  calls  if  no  intent  we  see, 
Or  righteous  wrath  when  purposed  it  may  be ; 
Our  well  born  words,  when  thus  they  mangled 
lie, 

Should  touch  the  heart  of  every  passer  by. 
If  queer  the  form  and  strange  the  altered  face, 
A  foolscap  change,—  no  harm  to  then  grimace; 
If  homely  form  its  heritage  from  birth, 
No  quarrel  then  with  nature's  simple  worth ; 
Yet  if  by  those  who  fain  with  loving  care 
Would  nurture  well,  a  marring  stroke  it  bear, 
We  sorrow  feel  that  spite  their  purpose  true. 
Through  lack  of  skill  such  ugly  scars  it  knew; 
But  when  with  formal  efFort  marred  and  torn, 
You  wish  in  wrath  such  wretches  ne'er  were  born 
Among  the  helps  the  needed  skill  to  give, 
That  words  well  born  should  still  in  beauty  live, 
Our  spelling  matches  needed  drill  they  gave 
In  vital  strength  our  language  forms  to  save. 
A  pleasmg  thrill,  it  ran  our  ranks  along 
And  stirred  the  blood  of  all  the  eager  throng 
Whene'er  the  call  to  match  our  skill  was  heard. 
And  each  for  battle  lightly  now  prepared. 
Each  valiant  captain  there  in  brave  array 
Opposing  forces  marshalls  for  the  fray, 
With  high  resolve  that  foes  to  them  should  yield 
Or,  Spartan  like,  to  die  upon  the  field. 
Two  serried  ranks  each  other  eye  and  smile 
Where  all  too  soon  will  be  but  one  in  file. 


^^^SSS^^I^^^SI 


3orra 


69 


The  issue  here,  like  issues  everywhere, 
Or  this,  or  that,  as  discipline  they  share  • 
While  o'er  their  tongue  the  struggle  gives  con- 
trol. 

They  also  learn  to  gain  command  of  soul. 
Not  this  the  least  they  all  unconscious  gain. 
For,— matches   o'er,— life's   conflicts   still   re- 
main; 

How  much  in  each  the  issues  largely  lie 

In  things  alike  is  clear  to  every  eye, 

The  temper,  mood,  the  poise,  and  all  the  skiU,— 
Or  nature's  gift,  or  ours  by  needed  drill. 
The  battle  joins,  and  mixed  emotions  rise 
As  friend  or  foe  now  hors  de  combat  lies  • 
From  side  to  side  in  doubt  it  ebbs  and  flows 
Till  one  of  each  may  lonely  face  as  foes. 
Now  hope  and  fear  in  turn  possess  each  breast 
As  those  add  wage  for  all  the  rest; 
With  equal  prowess  earl,  may  fight  away 
Till  both  at  length  in  honor  wear  the  bay ; 
Or  both  before  some  deadly  word  may  fall' 
And  there  they  lie,—  a  common  fate  for  all; 
More  often  still  a  champion  low  is  laid, 
And  vic'try  rests  upon  the  other's  head 
When  all  is  o'er,  and  they  the  field  review, 
A  wonder  then  how  this  and  that  were  true 
Though  many  words  between  them  bandied  be 
O  er  worth  of  sides,  in  this  they  all  agree  — 
That  by  and  large,  the  battle  'lost  or  won 


70 


3orra 


^ 


,   t 


Throughout  the  week  they  had  no  better  fun. 
Each  tussle  helped  when  next  we  took  the  field 
Our  mother  tongue  with  greater  ease  to  wield ; 
Through  eye  and  ear,  as  thus  well  pleased  we 

fought, 
The  proper  garb  for  language  there  we  wrought. 

With  minds  alert,  the  rocky  steeps  they  climb 
And  stronger  grow  in  schools  of  early  time ; 
Each  added  height  a  wider  view  surveys, 
Expands  the  thought,  to  nobler  purpose  sways. 
They    frequent    pause    to    test    their    growing 
skill, — 

For  pleasure's  sake  and  better  vantage  still,— 
By  mental  thrust  and  parry  in  debate 
While  canny  Scots  the  doubtful  issues  wait. 
O'er  rugged  roads  we  oft  for  many  a  mile 
Through  darkness  deep  may  plod  in  Indian  file, 
While  this  and  that  beguiles  us  on  the  way. 
Nor  weary  feel  while  hearts  are  in  the  fray. 
In  many  schools,  from  madding  crowds  remote. 
O'er    many    themes    young    Scottish    athletes 

fought. 
And  voices  heard  in  later  years  afpr. 
Much  timbre  owed  to  days  of  early  war. 

A  stagnant  pool,  exhaling  death  around, 
Were  human  nature  free  from  struggle  found; 
Whate'er  the  life  as  led  in  heav'nly  spheres, 


W¥iTwmmmmm: 


■;-^t' 


5orra 


71 


Or  on  the  earth  when  roll  millennial  years, 
Thus  far  we  find  the  good  and  bad  in  man 
In  mortal  grapple  since  our  race  began; 
Till  one  doth  fall  and  other  reigns  secure 
This  worthy  conflict  must  for  aye  endure. 
And  progress  marks  the  fortunes  of  mankind 
As  slain  the  ill  and  good  controls  the  mind; 
Nor  this  attain  unless  each  youthful  soul 
Be  taught  that  righteous  conduct  is  the  goal 
To  which  the  school,  as  handmaid,  aye  must  lead, 
And  aye  regard  such  goal  its  chiefest  meed, 
Nor  ever  serve, —  a  melancholy  fate, — 
With  more  effect  the  evil  in  the  state. 
To  good  or  ill  no  soul  is  e'er  inclined 
By  drill  in  truth  of  geometric  kind ; 
That  road  pursued  forever  and  a  day. 
You  never  meet  a  moral  on  the  way. 
As  each  to  each  in  states  we  must  abide. 
In  what  we  are  their  strength  will  ever  hide ; 
This  higher  plane  the  school  must  keep  in  view, 
And  give  the  state  a  product  good  and  true. 
From  holy  Writ  as  well  as  daily  round 
How  trite  the  fact, —  our  hearts  by  nature  found 
Inclined  to  ill,  and  if  to  good  they  turn, 
The  why  of  this  is  found  beyond  the  bourne. 
To  help  the  child  in  moral  worth  to  grow, 
To  choose  the  right,  the  wrong  to  overthrow. 
Not  absent  this  from  any  .school  should  be. 
Or  else  satanic  issues  all  may  ^.tc. 


7« 


5orra 


k 


\.i 


f 


One  help  alone,—  when  this  we  overlook, 

As  if  a  wall  to  build  we  undertook 

With  mortar  aU  unteinpered,  which  at  length, 

When    storms    assail,    may    not    have    needed 

strength 
To  upright  stand,  but  tott'ring  by  and  by. 
Unstably  held,  may  all  in  ruins  lie,— 
This  side  of  that  no  biding  strength  is  found, 
But  all  we  rear  is  on  uncertain  ground. 
From  higher  level  moral  worth  must  rise 
If  surely  based  aneath  these  arching  skies. 
And  upward  still  the  creature  e'er  must  soar 
To  find  the  Height  which  changes  nevermore; 
That  Height  alone,  on  which  all  else  depends, ' 
The  Source  from  which  all  moral  worth  descends. 
lis  aye  on  earth  a  parent's  righteous  will, 
The  rule  of  right  for  filial  conduct  still ; 
And  righteous  will  of  One  o'er  all  below, 
The  standard  sole  of  morals  that  we  know. 
A  moral  temple  who  would  try  to  rear 
Of  biding  worth  apart  from  godly  fear 
Is  like  the  one  who  builds  upon  the  sands. 
Or  man  who  tugs  at  bootstraps  with  his  hands. 
Of  many  men  whose  wisdom  here  below 
Our  Scottish  fathers  naught  thereof  did  know, 
i  his  Babol  folly  oft  you  see  them  try ; 
Confusion  comes  ore  yet  they  pierce  the  sky  • 
To  reach  that  height  the  wisdom  must  descend  • 
Aot  ours  to  lift,  but,  lifted,  we  ascenj 


¥ 


^rra 


73 


One  wondrous  wiso,  a  wondrous  fool  may  be; 
Ami  on.  H  fooi,  yet  wondrous  wise  is  he. 
That  Ji.n.  on  earth  they  worthy  gain  or  lose, 
^one  n.or.  ffmn  Srot.  could  worldly  wisdom  use  ; 
.\nd  much  of  this,  as  garnered  hv  the  race, 
In  tvery  lamii  doth  find  proverbialplace. 
Now  luld  in  niirwa.  (^  stored  in  records  old, 
In  outw,..d  ways  they  help  our  lives  to  mold, 
let  chiear  found  tv  ble.ss  our  human  kind 
In  works  of  him  wfto  had  the  wisest  mind 
As  earthly  ^,de.  with  ease  they  pass  the  lore 
Ut  all  you  find  in  other's  garnered  store  • 
The  reason  whv  their  light  o'er  others  shine, 
Ihcy  cier  r-st  on  that  which  is  divine. 
A  gooday  httfd  to  these,  the  Scots  they  gave 
And  much  of  ill  thereby  the  nation  sa-e  •        ' 
Yet  n.arer  still  than  proverbs  terse  and  wise,— 
1  hough  ,t.   approved  by  voices  from  the  skies,— 
lo  tiung.    U,ove  our  fathers  brought  the  schools, 
1  hat  sprnigs  of  action  more  than  wisdom's  rules 
Should  iives  control  and  still  in  strength  prevail 
n  hen  other  helps,  however  good,  might  fail. 
I  lie  Uible,  there  an  honored  place  it  found- 
The  master  road  and  rcv'rence  reigned  around. 
It  helped  the  day,  as  o'er  the  school  it  ran. 
To  mold  for  good  the  life  of  every  one  • 
Our    threefold   life,- the   mind    and   heart   and 
will, — 

Its  vital  air  with  health  doth  all  instill. 


fl» 


I' 


v;'. 


74 


3orta 


And  much  is  lost  in  sturdy  growth  of  each 
When  kept  aloof  from  lives  of  those  we  teach. 
A  portion  read  and  heard  wiili  rev'rent  air, 
The  master  then  a  blessing  sought  in  prayer ; 
The  gift  or  grace  to  the?*^'  petitions  frame, 
As  there  he  stood  before  the  holy  Name, — 
If  this  denied,  yet  none  excused  could  be, 
As  written  forms  were  there  for  such  as  he. 
The  Scottish  schools  which  now  I  have  in  mind 
Were  each  controlled  by  men  of  godly  kind ; 
Well  pleased  were  they,  as  all  the  work  they  scan. 
To  find  the  master  taught  "  chief  end  of  man." 
From  schools   like  these  went  forth  a  faithful 


race 


To  serve  their  time  for  good  in  many  a  place; 
At  home,  abroad,  where'er  their  lot  did  fall, — 
Old  fashioned  truth  they  proved  was  good  for 
all. 


-V. 


:P] 


